NFL Trade Rumor: Former Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson to backup New York Jets QB Geno Smith

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?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.”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.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…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.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.