Timing is everything in the NFL. Being a half-second late on a pass can be the difference between a touchdown and a turnover. Be late too often, and a team might have the No. 1 pick. If the right quarterback isn't coming out of college that spring, it could all be for naught. 

New York Jets receiver Garrett Wilson could have been a similar victim, a star receiver who couldn't find a worthy quarterback during his stay in East Rutherford. For now, that search — one that long predates the dynamo — is still ongoing. But on Monday, he ensured he'd stick around for its conclusion.

Wilson signed a four-year, $130 million extension to stay in New York. Locking in a high-level talent at a valuable position is a win for the Jets. The timing of it makes it a steal.

Jets lock in Wilson for the long haul

At $32.5 million per year, Wilson's deal comes in a bit cheaper than many expected. Nobody was passing Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase and his monster $40.25 million annual payday any time soon. Instead, he'll slide in fifth at his position, behind Chase, Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, and DK Metcalf.

That in itself is a win. Young stars signing long-term deals are expected to set the market, at least until the next phenom is ready to get paid.

However, the most important detail of Wilson's second contract is that it doesn't start until his rookie contract ends. Thanks to the fifth-year option New York accepted, the first year of the deal will be in 2027.

Wilson, who received $90 million guaranteed with his extension, is set to wear green and white through the 2030 season.

MORE: Jets superstar receiver Garrett Wilson signs massive contract extension

As Rich Cimini noted, New York now owes Wilson $150.3 million over the next six seasons. Factoring in the final two years of his rookie deal means that the Jets will pay an average of $25.05 million for six seasons of star-caliber play on the perimeter. That might be the biggest win of general manager Darren Mougey's young tenure.

Through three seasons, Wilson has logged a total of 279 catches for 3,249 yards, never dipping below 1,000 yards in a season. He's stayed healthy and productive, although touchdowns have proven to be elusive. More than anything else, he's looked like a budding star being held back by less-than-stellar quarterback play.

Justin Fields can't promise to fix that issue. Maybe his eventual replacement can't, either. But New York has bought itself time by buying the best years of Wilson's prime.

Paying Wilson early allows the administration to avoid the drama that comes with holding out and going public with negotiations. It helps the Jets cut the line before other prominent superstars get paid and inflate the price.

Ultimately, Monday's news was the kind the New York faithful haven't heard enough in recent years. There's a star in East Rutherford, and he's here to stay.

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