Zach Wilson excited about Jets' plan to add elite wide receiver

Zach Wilson appreciates that the Jets have been trying to acquire an elite playmaking receiver to help him and is confident they won’t stop until they get one.

The Jets are seen by some to be the front-runners to trade for unhappy 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel, especially after they were a finalist to get Tyreek Hill in a deal with Kansas City. Hill eventually was dealt to Miami, where he signed an extension, but Wilson loved the Jets’ pursuit.

“It just shows this organization cares and those guys are trying to go above and beyond and help flip this organization around,” Wilson said during a Zoom call Wednesday. “I thought it was a really cool push by us. They’re trying to do everything they can. Unfortunately, they didn’t get one. We’re going to really work to get the next one, I’m sure.”

That next one is Samuel, who has requested a trade. The 49ers don’t want to trade Samuel, but they might for the right price.

The Jets own two first-round picks (Nos. 4 and 10) in Thursday’s NFL Draft and have five of the first 69 choices. They had a deal in place for Hill for picks 35, 38 and 69. Jets general manager Joe Douglas likely would part with the same package for Samuel. It might not be enough, though.

Wilson is a bystander in all of this, but he would love to have someone like Samuel to throw to this season.

“Deebo’s a great player. There’s definitely no hesitation there,” Wilson said. “I think anyone those guys bring in would be a benefit for us, depending on what we have to give up. All I can say is I really just trust what Joe D and those guys are thinking about. Whatever decision they happen to make I’m going to be happy with it.”

If the Jets can’t trade for a veteran receiver, they’re going to take one in the draft and give their second-year quarterback another weapon.

The Jets have an opportunity to improve at a number of positions with their five early round picks. Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick last season, “can’t wait’ to see what Douglas does.

“I’m extremely excited about the plan,” Wilson said. “I feel like the organization as a whole everybody is very tied together as far as being on the same page. I know my trust with ownership and with Joe D as well in what they’re doing, I feel like they have a really good plan. I’m excited for what they’re going to bring in for us.”

Wilson said he feels more comfortable and confident entering the Jets’ voluntary offseason workouts. Tackle George Fant said Wilson “came back with a little more swag.”

The young quarterback showed strong leadership by traveling to Tennessee, Arizona and Florida to spend time and work out with his receivers. He also communicated with his offensive line. Wilson thinks his “trips” will only help him and the rest of the team.

“We got some great work in,” he said. “I thought it was very efficient. That stuff goes a long way. These receivers want to be great. My job is to let them be great and get the ball in their hands.”

Wilson should have another one to throw to pretty soon.

Fant’s future

Fant, who is in the last year of his contract, said his agency and the Jets have talked about a contract extension. Fant said he wants to spend the “rest of my career” with the Jets.

The organization is high on Fant. Robert Saleh said Fant will compete for the starting left tackle job with Mekhi Becton in camp. Fant said he’s “a natural left tackle. Everybody kind of knows I’m a natural left tackle.” Things could get more interesting if the Jets draft left tackle Ickey Ekwonu with the No. 4 pick.

Fant had his knee scoped in January. He’s rehabbing it, but said he would be ready for training camp.

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.