Although it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, the New York Jets are being accused of tanking for a better draft pick.
Prior to the trade deadline last Tuesday, the Jets traded All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts for a pair of first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. They also sent defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027-first round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
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A little over a week later, the Jets announced that Garrett Wilson is being placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury. He’ll be eligible to return in Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Wilson is having a down year due to New York’s anemic passing attack, but he’s still been the team’s top receiver with 395 yards and four touchdowns.
Fans are convinced Wilson will be held out well past Week 15 since the Jets are in contention for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 10: Wide receiver Garrett Wilson #5 of the New York Jets warms up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)Chris Coduto/Getty Images
“They’re putting him in bubble wrap, the tank is on,” an NFL content creator wrote on X.
“The Jets are beginning to tank, no surprises here,” one fan said.
“BAD news for the true #Jets fans and good news for the “tank” crowd – Garrett Wilson has been placed on IR and will now miss the next 4 games, is eligible to return in Week 15,” another fan commented. “Cheer up Tankers – doesn’t look like you have too worry about us winning so much it messes up our pick.”
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Jets targeting a QB?
Last weekend, Jets general manager Darren Mougey and senior football advisor Rick Spielman attended the Indiana-Penn State game. They got a good look at Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Mendoza has been sensational this season, completing 71.3% of his pass attempts for 2,342 yards with 26 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also has 240 yards and five scores on the ground.
Since the Jets have five first-round picks over the next tow drafts, they’re well positioned to get a quarterback. If they want Mendoza though, they’ll need the No. 1 pick.
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As of now, the Jets own the No. 3 pick in the draft.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Nov 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.