Jets Exploring Trade Options for Veteran Wide Receiver

Potential targets include Jaguars, Ravens, Chargers and Packers players

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:51pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy of an NFL draft or football game, with sharp planes of color representing the various moving parts of the Jets' receiver trade search.A cubist interpretation of the Jets' search for a veteran wide receiver to bolster their passing attack.Los Angeles Today

The New York Jets are reportedly looking to upgrade their wide receiver corps ahead of the NFL Draft, with ESPN's Rich Cimini mentioning several veteran players as potential trade targets, including Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Rashod Bateman of the Baltimore Ravens, Quentin Johnston of the Los Angeles Chargers, and Dontayvion Wicks of the Green Bay Packers.

Why it matters

The Jets' receiving group is young and lacks proven production outside of Garrett Wilson, so adding an experienced veteran could provide a valuable complement to the team's young core and help quarterback Geno Smith. However, the availability and cost of these potential targets remains uncertain.

The details

According to Cimini, Jets general manager Darren Mougey has been active in making trades since taking over, and the team could look to acquire a veteran wide receiver via trade. The four players mentioned as potential targets all have varying levels of experience and production, with Thomas Jr. being the most established of the group.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Darren Mougey

The general manager of the New York Jets, who has been active in making trades since taking over the role.

Geno Smith

The starting quarterback for the New York Jets, who could benefit from the addition of an experienced wide receiver.

Brian Thomas Jr.

A wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars who has been mentioned as a potential trade target for the Jets.

Rashod Bateman

A wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens who has been mentioned as a potential trade target for the Jets.

Quentin Johnston

A wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers who has been mentioned as a potential trade target for the Jets.

Dontayvion Wicks

A wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers who has been mentioned as a potential trade target for the Jets.

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What they’re saying

“Don't sleep on the possibility of Mougey trading for a veteran. It's already been an active offseason for wide receiver trades, and you're talking about a GM who has made 12 player trades in a little over a year.”

— Rich Cimini, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Jets will need to determine the availability and cost of these potential trade targets as they look to bolster their receiving corps ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Jets' search for a veteran wide receiver highlights the team's need to add more proven production to their receiving group, which is currently led by the young Garrett Wilson. While the availability and cost of the rumored targets remains uncertain, the team's active trade history under GM Darren Mougey suggests they could be willing to make a move to upgrade the position.