Wilson calls ending Jets' playoff drought 'very realistic'

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Ignoring the low outside expectations, a confident Garrett Wilson said he can envision a breakthrough season for the New York Jets, who own the longest active playoff drought among major sports leagues in North America.

"The playoffs, man, no doubt about it," the wide receiver said Tuesday, providing his definition of a successful season. "[Make the] playoffs, then re-start the season and we'll see what happens. Nothing else."

Wilson said the postseason is "very realistic. I mean, I think it should happen, I'll say that. It's our job to go play ball and do it, but that's how I feel about it."

The Jets have gone 15 straight years without a postseason appearance, tied for the fourth-longest drought in all sports since 1970. Coming off a 3-14 season, they're not considered contenders in 2026. They have a 6.5% chance to make the playoffs, according to ESPN analytics, with a projected win total of six.

They open the season Sunday at the Tennessee Titans, who also went 3-14 last season and are now led by former Jets coach Robert Saleh.

In Wilson's four seasons, the Jets are 22-46. They haven't come close to a winning record, let alone the playoffs. The former Ohio State star is tired of losing, but has remained committed to the organization, signing a four-year, $130 million contract extension in 2025.

"Something is going to happen this year," he said. "I'm a faithful guy and I believe that. With the work we've been putting in, we have as good an opportunity as anybody in the league. I'm excited, man. We have a hell of a group here."

The Jets are optimistic because they re-signed running back Breece Hall to a three-year, $43.5 million contract -- he's expected to play Sunday after sitting out three weeks with a strained groin -- and they added potential firepower by drafting tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. in the first round. They also changed quarterbacks, replacing the ineffective Fields with Geno Smith.

On defense, they have five new starters, including former All-Pros Minkah Fitzpatrick and Demario Davis and No. 2 overall pick David Bailey.

Wilson said the team's struggles "weigh on our shoulders," meaning the longest-tenured players. "That's all we think about, talk about, because we're dying to get this thing rolling."

The Jets believe they can be a surprise team, but no one other than Wilson spoke stridently about their chances.

Coach Aaron Glenn, who last year said the goal was to make the fans proud, raised the bar slightly, if not dramatically. He said a successful season would be "obviously winning, hands down. Effort. Discipline."

A lot will depend on Smith, back with the team that drafted him after bouncing around the league for nine years.

"It starts with wins and it ends with wins," Smith said. "That's all that matters in this league. It's the win and loss column."