FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- A look at what's happening around the New York Jets:
1. Frankly speaking: Garrett Wilson is perhaps the most recognizable name on the roster, a homegrown player who makes the big bucks ($32.5 million per year) because he has managed to perform at a high level despite the dreariness around him. He's also not afraid to express his opinion.
Because he's that guy, his words matter. And so it was noteworthy the way he responded to a reporter's question about offensive coordinator Frank Reich's system, Wilson's fourth different offense in five years. It went beyond the obligatory thumbs-up; it was a full-throated endorsement.
"Honestly, this is probably one of the offenses that I'm going to look back on in a few years and love the most," Wilson said Thursday after the Jets' second of 10 OTA practices.
Wilson was frustrated at times over his first four seasons because of playcalling and/or quarterback play, including a clash with Aaron Rodgers during the 2024 season. Now he has quarterback Geno Smith and Reich, who, unlike the previous playcallers, brings NFL playing experience to the job.
That resonates with Wilson.
"It's really player-empowering, I'll say," Wilson said. "I don't really know how else to put it. It's receiver-empowering, skill position-empowering.
"You got a guy that's played quarterback and kind of gets it as far as the instinct side of football, the side of it that's not going to be perfect the way we drew it up on paper, but you have to embrace that. There's a way to train people to make the right decision when it isn't going perfect, and he focuses on that, which I love."
As one veteran scout said of Reich, "Frank won't coach you like a robot."
Reich's system encourages receivers to make sight adjustments based on coverage. That suits Wilson, an instinctual player who believes that brings out the best in him. It was different under Rodgers, who was a stickler for by-the-book route running.
"It sounds simple, but not everybody's like [Reich]," Wilson said. "Sometimes the way it's installed is the way it's going to be run every time and, as a player, you have to get on the train or you're going to get left behind. This guy's more like, 'We're all on this train together, and if we have to slow down to bring [someone] along, we're going to bring him along.' He's a little different."
Reich is the 12th different playcaller in the past 16 seasons. The Jets cracked the top 10 in total yards once in that span (2015).
2. Injury update: Three players who missed significant time last season -- Wilson (knee), running back Braelon Allen (knee surgery) and cornerback Azareye'h Thomas (shoulder surgery) -- are participating in OTA practices.
Wilson's injury, which cost him a total of 10 games, was the first of his professional career that caused him to miss time. He said the time off changed his perspective. By that, he meant he was "getting a little bit too comfortable," and that the injury made him appreciate the rigors of the sport.
3. New digs: The Jets soon will begin construction on a player performance center, which will replace the existing weight room. The performance center will be a two-story structure, about 2½ times bigger than the current setup. It will house all aspects of sports science, including nutrition, recovery and health. It will be completed before the start of the 2027 season.
In the meantime, the Jets will do their weight training in a temporary structure located on an artificial turf field adjacent to the facility. It's 70% larger than the current weight room, according to the Jets.
4. Battle for QB2: Bailey Zappe, the most experienced backup on the roster (a grand total of nine career starts), took the second-team reps in Week 1 of OTAs. But that doesn't mean he's locked into the No. 2 quarterback job.
Coach Aaron Glenn is calling it an "open competition" between Zappe, Brady Cook and rookie Cade Klubnik. Ideally, you'd like to have a seasoned backup, but the Jets appear willing to let this play out to see if one of them can seize the opportunity. Failing that, they can scour the league for a veteran in training camp, figuring someone will shake free.
It's way too early to draw any conclusions on Klubnik, but he seems to be grasping his progressions and displays accuracy in the short to intermediate areas. "He can spin the heck out of the ball," Smith said.
5. Contract update: Rookie receiver Omar Cooper Jr., drafted 30th overall, still isn't signed. There's no reason to panic; he's one of 13 first-rounders still unsigned. He's still participating in OTAs, as is defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr., an unsigned fourth-rounder.
6. Say uncle: Jackson's uncle is former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Dexter Jackson, the MVP of Super Bowl XXXVII. Jackson expects big things from his nephew.
"He looks like a super hero," Jackson said in an interview with Betway. "He's 6-foot-5, 337 pounds. It's just amazing. I wish I were built like that. If he comes in and learns from those vets, buys into the system and is willing to improve, I think Jackson Jr. can be a vital piece of that defense."
One opposing scout, who graded Jackson as a second-rounder, said he could turn out to be a fourth-round steal.
7. Cashing in: The 2022 draft class has done quite well for itself.
Six of the seven picks signed second contracts totaling $322.9 million, led by Wilson ($130 million), Sauce Gardner ($120.4 million) and Breece Hall ($43.5 million). The others are Jeremy Ruckert ($10 million), Max Mitchell ($2 million) and Micheal Clemons ($17 million), who signed with Indianapolis Colts as a free agent.
Still playing on his rookie contract is Jermaine Johnson II, who was traded to the Tennessee Titans.
Wilson recalled his first conversation with Gardner, Hall and Johnson, saying how they had "big plans" to turn around the Jets. That hasn't happened, and now Gardner, Johnson and Clemons are gone. Wilson lamented their departures, but he hasn't lost hope.
"It's not a failure," Wilson said. "It just got delayed."
8. Lonesome end no more: Tight end Jelani Woods spent last season at the bottom of the roster, appearing in four games (60 offensive snaps) after being claimed on waivers from the Colts. But now he has a strong supporter in the building, which could create more of an opportunity.
We're talking about Reich, the former Indianapolis head coach who was instrumental in the Colts' decision to draft him in the 2022 third round. On cue, the 6-7 Woods made a couple of flash plays in Thursday's open practice. He can push for a roster spot in a crowded tight end room.
9. Musical kickers: How many will the Jets employ before the season is over? They're already up to four -- Cade York (injured), Lenny Krieg, Younghoe Koo and Will Ferrin (waived).
10. The last word: "We want to be the best team in the world -- I don't feel shy about saying that -- but I understand that there's a lot of work to be done." -- Geno Smith.