FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson made two things abundantly clear Wednesday: He doesn't want to be traded, but he's extremely frustrated by his lack of involvement in the offense and, most of all, the losing.
"Yeah, I want to be here, man," Wilson said. "I want to win games and that's the one thing we've been missing on here. I love it here. Do I love it more than I love winning? Nah, to be completely honest, but I'm hopeful.
"I've never been the best optimistic guy, but I've found a way and dug deep, and I've been optimistic for three, four, five years now. And that's why these [losses] each weekend hurt a little more."
Wilson was visibly upset on the sideline in the fourth quarter of the Jets' 28-25 loss to the previously winless Miami Dolphins on Sunday. He was targeted only three times in the game (two catches for 26 yards), one week after he was a non-factor in a loss to the New England Patriots.
His frustration, coupled with the Nov. 10 trade deadline, has fueled speculation about his desire to remain in New York. Fifteen months ago, he signed a four-year, $130 million contract extension through 2030.
The Jets dealt cornerback Sauce Gardner at the deadline last year a few months after he signed a four-year, $120 million extension. In this case, there is no indication they're looking to trade Wilson, 26, who leads the team with 37 receptions and 444 yards.
Likewise, Wilson said he wants to stay, but his desire to be in a winning situation could prompt a change of heart in the offseason. He said the losing, coupled with limited opportunities, exacerbates his frustration.
"No doubt, no doubt," he said. "I'd be lying if I said it's not, but at the end of the day it comes down to ... winning and losing. Throughout my experience, when things go right, I tend to have a part in that. And when it doesn't, it seems avoidable.
"That's my main frustration that may show on the TV or something like that. But I don't want it to ever be misconstrued. This all comes from a place in my heart of wanting to win. I'm biased, but it also comes from experience where I played my part in that.
"It's frustrating, for sure, because I want to have an impact and I want to help the team. But, really, I just want to help the team, man. Sometimes it might come off a certain way when they [show] video, but, man, that's all it's about."
Wilson was the No. 10 pick in 2022. Since then, the Jets are 24-41, including 2-5 this season. They host the Las Vegas Raiders (3-4) on Sunday.
Coach Aaron Glenn has said repeatedly they want to get the ball to Wilson early and often. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich and quarterback Geno Smith have echoed those sentiments.
"I've always said this: I'm looking to get him the football as much as I can, but I have to be mindful of what the defense is doing as well," Smith said.
The coaches have said Wilson is drawing extra coverage, creating opportunities for others in the passing game. Wilson took issue with that perception, saying, "I wouldn't say anyone's doing anything Houdini or a superpower to try and take me away."
Wilson said he enjoys seeing his fellow receivers thrive, but he added, "Attracting more coverage? I don't know. I always want to make people earn their flowers is how I see it. ... So, they have to cover it. They've got to cover me. If they can't prove they could do it, I don't believe they could do it. And that's just how I operate, how my mindset is."
He said he hasn't shared his opinion with his coaches, saying, "I think it's understood."
One player who would welcome a change of scenery is cornerback Nahshon Wright, who told ESPN he's "definitely frustrated" by his lack of playing time. Wright, who made five interceptions last season for the Chicago Bears, has yet to play a snap on defense.
Asked if he has requested a trade, Wright said, "Not formally." He added, "I've expressed my feelings [to the team]. I think I've earned that right."
He signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract (fully guaranteed), thinking he'd compete for a starting job. He missed time in training camp due to an injury and lost out to Azareye'h Thomas.
"I'm open to anything at this point," Wright said. "I just want to go where I can play, whether it's here or somewhere else. I just want to contribute. I know what I can do and I think I put that on display [last season]. So, yeah, it's definitely frustrating."