The New York Jets drafted Sam Darnold to replace Geno Smith. The Seattle Seahawks signed Geno Smith to backup Russell Wilson. Then Geno Smith replaced Russell Wilson. And then Sam Darnold replaced Geno Smith.
Now, the New York Jets signed Geno Smith to replace Sam Darnold [technically to replace Justin Fields]. Would the Jets sign Russell Wilson to back up Geno Smith? A confusing tale of two NFL teams and three NFL players. Long story short: Russell Wilson is a free agent; could he fit into the Jets’ scheme?
Seattle Seahawks ex QB Russell Wilson could be backup for Geno Smith in New York Jets
Time and again, Russell Wilson has been linked to the New York Jets. Let’s check out the very latest link. NBC Sports’ Mike Florio reported that Russell Wilson’s name had not been mentioned at all during free agency.
The UFA tender day was the day when Russell Wilson came into discussion, and the New York Jets were considering making him a backup for Geno Smith. Mike Florio called it a “full circle” moment because Geno Smith was the backup to Russell Wilson in the Seattle Seahawks, the same kind that Polymarket Football’s history chart displayed.
When Mike Florio said that the deal keeps Russell Wilson in New York, Chris Simms reacted, “That’s all he wants.”
Russell Wilson was predicted to backup Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
Back in February, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggested that Russell Wilson could become a backup for Patrick Mahomes in the Kansas City Chiefs. That can’t happen now because the Kansas City Chiefs signed New York Jets [again?] quarterback Justin Fields as backup for Patrick Mahomes.
But the backup role part for Russell Wilson? Kristopher Knox noted that Russell Wilson lost a playoff spot with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024 and struggled with the New York Giants in 2025, he might consider transitioning to a “post-playing career.” He could be a bridge quarterback. Or take up the backup role. As surfaced only recently.
Russell Wilson wants to continue playing, and since most NFL QB positions are filled, he could consider a backup role that helps him stay in New York, as last year. And there could always be a possibility of becoming a starter long-term, in case he performs better than his competition.
37 YO Russell Wilson to backup 35 YO Geno Smith
Another link? Back in March, ESPN’s Rich Cimini suggested the New York Jets land the veteran quarterback, Russell Wilson, as a backup plan. As of late April, Rich Cimini’s prediction came to fruition when the New York Jets decided to meet with Russell Wilson. A source told Rich Cimini, “No contract is imminent, but Russell Wilson is being considered.”
JetsRoundtable's Matthew Schmidt suggests that the New York Jets could follow the New York Giants' Jaxson Dart model with Cade Klubnik. Jaxson Dart had Russell Wilson in 2025.
The New York Jets selected Clemson Tigers QB Cade Klubnik in the fourth round as the 110th overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. He is new to NFL gridiron. Brady Cook is their 2025 undrafted pick. Geno Smith is 35, and a 37-year-old Russell Wilson could back him up? Remains to be seen…
Alternate path for Russell Wilson? TV career with CBS
NFL Insider Ari Meirov reported via X that Russell Wilson had serious talks with CBS about becoming a "studio analyst" and replacing "Matt Ryan's spot," as per The Athletic's Andrew Marchand. Matt Ryan left his NFL analyst role at CBS Sports to become the President of Football for the Atlanta Falcons.
It looks like Russell Wilson has not heard back from the New York Jets after their recent meeting. So, he could be considering a future in TV in 2026.
USA TODAY's Nick Wojton reports that Russell Wilson could be deciding between playing his 15th NFL season for the New York Jets or filling the vacant spot left by Matt Ryan at CBS.
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Arati spent six years studying medicine and three years in manage...
Read MoreArati spent six years studying medicine and three years in management, but her passion for writing was too strong to ignore. Having been a vice-captain for her college’s cricket team all four years, she was no stranger to an NFL quarterback’s competitive spirit. She creates compelling football stories that leave a mark on the readers’ hearts, not just their minds. Every morning, she begins her day by flipping through the pages of the TOI sports section to see who scored how much. In the evenings, she indulges in solving intriguing mysteries in the elite world of Olivia Benson from Law & Order: SVU. The sea of Mumbai brings her a sense of tranquility, and nothing soothes her soul quite like Kishore Kumar's melodies.
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