Garrett Wilson has dealt with more changes at quarterback through his first two seasons than some wide receivers see in their entire career, but that's not the only thing being altered in 2024.
Entering the 2024 season, Wilson and the Jets are hoping to finally find some stability at the QB position. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is fully recovering after tearing his Achilles in the season opener last year, and a healthy Rodgers could mean a breakout season is in the works for Wilson.
Despite the revolving door of passers Wilson has had in his young career, that hasn't stopped the Ohio State product from becoming one of the best in the league. He is one of the focal points of a club that is expected to take a major step forward, with New York aiming to reach the postseason for the first time since 2010.
With a new season on the horizon, the Jets wide receiver also has a new number in the Big Apple. Here's a look at why Wilson changed his number from No. 17 to No. 5 ahead of the 2024 season.
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Why did Garrett Wilson change his number?
Wilson wore No. 5 during his time at Ohio State, however, when he was drafted into the league, that number was already taken by quarterback Mike White. The backup quarterback wore the digit for the 2022 season.
In 2023, veteran punter Thomas Morstead signed with the team for his second stint with the organization. Since White left in free agency, the number was available for him to take, even though Morstead never wore No. 5 before in his career.
While the punter remains on the team for 2024, he will no longer be wearing No. 5. Morstead and Wilson announced earlier in the offseason that the wide receiver would be getting his college number back. Morstead is donning No. 6 for this season.
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Garrett Wilson Ohio State stats
| Season | School | Games | Rec. | Yards | TD | Y/R |
| 2019 | Ohio State | 14 | 30 | 432 | 5 | 14.4 |
| 2020 | Ohio State | 8 | 43 | 723 | 6 | 16.8 |
| 2021 | Ohio State | 11 | 70 | 1,058 | 12 | 15.1 |
| Career | | 33 | 143 | 2,213 | 23 | 15.5 |
Wilson played at Ohio State for three seasons. He was one half of the dynamic duo in the Buckeyes' wide receiver room with Saints star Chris Olave for his first two seasons; then he was a part of the three-headed monster with Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in 2021.
The former Ohio State star excelled in his junior season, hitting 1,058 receiving yards and recording 12 touchdowns. It was enough for the Jets to take him with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
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Garrett Wilson NFL stats
| Season | Games | Rec. | Yards | TD | Y/R |
| 2022 | 17 | 83 | 1,103 | 4 | 13.3 |
| 2023 | 17 | 95 | 1,042 | 3 | 11.0 |
| Career | 66 | 178 | 2,145 | 7 | 12.1 |
Despite dealing with a revolving door at quarterback through his first two seasons, Wilson has shown he can be a true playmaker on offense.
In 2022, the Jets standout won the Offensive Rookie of the Year in the AFC after putting together a sensational first season. He racked up 1,103 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 83 receptions, with the combination of Zach Wilson, Mike White, Joe Flacco, and Chris Streveler throwing to him at quarterback.
The Jets were supposed to get stability at quarterback in 2023 after trading for Rodgers, however, he lasted just four plays before tearing his Achilles. That meant Wilson and the offense were once again subjected to a game of QB carousel, with Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian, and Tim Boyle all getting starts. Despite the changes at quarterback, Wilson still managed to put up 1,042 receiving yards and three TDs on 95 receptions.
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