Jets Meet with 10-Time Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson as Backup Consideration
Wilson, 37, played for Giants last season; Geno Smith advocates for former Seattle teammate
Quick Look
- The New York Jets met with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson late Monday at their facility, considering him as a potential backup.
- Wilson, 37, is a free agent after one season with the New York Giants, where he was benched after three starts.
- Coach Aaron Glenn has named Geno Smith the starter, but the Jets lack experienced backup options.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Jets traded away their 2025 starter Justin Fields to the Chiefs and acquired Geno Smith from the Raiders in March. They currently have only young or inexperienced quarterbacks behind Smith: Bailey Zappe (4-5 career starts), Brady Cook (0-4), and rookie Cade Klubnik. The team hinted at wanting veteran backup help since March.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets, exploring the quarterbacks available as veteran backups, met late Monday afternoon at their facility with 10-time Pro Bowl selection Russell Wilson, a source said Tuesday. No contract is imminent, but Wilson is being considered, the source said.
Wilson, 37, is a free agent after playing one season for the New York Giants. He said at the end of the season that he wants to continue playing. Coach Aaron Glenn has made it clear that Geno Smith, 35, acquired in a March trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, is the starting quarterback. The Jets don't have an experienced backup. The other quarterbacks on the roster are Bailey Zappe (4-5 as a starter), Brady Cook (0-4) and rookie Cade Klubnik, drafted in the fourth round Saturday.
Smith advocated for Wilson when team officials solicited his input on potential backups, the source said. The two developed a good relationship as Seattle Seahawks teammates in 2020 and 2021. In those seasons, Smith served as Wilson's backup before ascending to the No. 1 job in 2022, the year Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos.
At the time, Jets general manager Darren Mougey was a member of the Broncos' front office. Mougey, Glenn and offensive coordinator Frank Reich met with Wilson on Monday.
In March, Mougey hinted that there was interest in adding a veteran. At the conclusion of the draft, he indicated that the quarterback "landscape hasn't moved much" since March and that the plan was to "further evaluate it. So we'll see in the coming weeks."
The Jets' 2025 backup, Tyrod Taylor, remains a free agent. Their 2025 starter, Justin Fields, was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Wilson was the Giants' opening-day starter in 2025, but he was benched in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart after three starts -- all losses. In those starts, Wilson completed 65 of 110 passes for 778 yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He played only a smattering of snaps for the remainder of the season (nine pass attempts).
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Jets will sign Russell Wilson to a veteran minimum contract as backup
Likely · Within weeks
Wilson will serve as backup to Geno Smith for the 2026 season
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Will Wilson accept a backup role with the Jets?
- What contract terms would Wilson accept?
- How would Wilson's presence affect the quarterback room dynamics?
