Geno Smith, Demario Davis, and Minkah Fitzpatrick were officially named among the Jets’ team captains on Thursday, but it is the omission of a key player from that leadership group that really has everyone talking. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, the team’s top target in the passing game, will not be wearing the ‘C’ this season, despite being one of the longest-tenured players on the squad. This move signals a massive shift in leadership and direction after a rough 2025.
New Leadership, New Expectations
The Jets went all in on bringing in more experienced players after a young roster struggled hard in 2025, and you can see that strategy reflected directly in their captain choices. Quarterback Geno Smith, linebacker Demario Davis, and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, all among those more experienced additions, were selected by their teammates for the role. These aren’t the only leaders, either. Right guard Joe Tippmann, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, and kick returner Isaiah Williams also landed captain spots for this season. This is clearly a move to inject some veteran presence and accountability into the locker room, hoping that a fresh batch of leaders can light a fire for a team desperately needing a turnaround.
The Garrett Wilson Question Mark
Here’s the kicker: none of the three players who were captains in 2025 and remain with the team are returning to the role this season. The most notable name in that group is undoubtedly Garrett Wilson. He was a captain last year, he’s the team’s top target, and he’s one of their longest-tenured players. For a player of his caliber and importance to the offense to not be a captain after holding the role previously, it absolutely sends a message. What exactly that message is, we can only guess, but it’s definitely a strong one. Is it a focus on veteran leadership? A challenge to Wilson? Whatever it is, it’s clear the Jets are shaking things up dramatically from the ground up.
The Jets didn’t do much winning in 2025, and they are absolutely banking on this new crop of captains to deliver better results. This isn’t just about who wears the ‘C’; it’s about setting the tone for a season where they simply *have* to perform. With a completely revamped leadership structure, the pressure is on these new captains to prove this gamble pays off on the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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