Jets Wide Receiver Corps Turns Heads at Camp; Depth Chart Taking Shape
Garrett Wilson and a healthy infusion of new targets give Justin Fields weapons on the outside that the Jets have not had in New York, and training camp is making the case.
By Jimmy Ng · August 2, 2026 · 4 min read
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The wide receiver group at the New York Jets’ training camp has been the talking point of the team’s first week of padded practice, and after watching a Wednesday session, it’s easy to see why.
Garrett Wilson, the Jets’ first-round pick from 2022 who finally has a healthy Justin Fields throwing to him, has been exceptional. His route running has become almost mechanical in its precision, and two back-shoulder catches on consecutive plays during a red-zone drill drew extended applause from media observers present. Wilson is considered among the league’s five best receivers by most analysts heading into 2026.
The player drawing the most new attention is third-year receiver Malachi Corley, who missed most of his rookie season with a hamstring injury but has returned visibly stronger and quicker. Corley’s ability to create separation at the top of his routes gives the Jets a genuine complement to Wilson across a variety of formations.
The Jets added veteran slot receiver Sterling Shepard in late June on a veteran minimum deal — a reunion with the city where his career began in 2016. Shepard, 32, provides experience and a trusted option in third-down situations. He and Fields have spent several joint private sessions this summer.
“These guys want to win,” Fields said during a Thursday session open to media. “That creates energy in practice. We’ve got guys competing every single day and that’s exactly what you want.” Fields is expected to play in the first two preseason games before having his snaps reduced.
The Jets are widely projected as an AFC contender for the first time since the early Fields era, and the receiver corps is a significant reason why. If the group stays healthy, the Jets’ passing game in 2026 could be among the most efficient in the conference.