Oh, how the tables have turned.

From 2020 through 2021, now-New York Jets starting quarterback Geno Smith saw his NFL journey take him to Seattle, where he served as the backup to Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson. At the time, Wilson was considered one of the best quarterbacks in the game and the face of the Seahawks franchise.

It didn’t take long for things to go south, though. In two short years, Wilson’s time in Seattle had ended, and Smith was given the chance to start. The former second-round pick seized that opportunity and built a quality career as a starting quarterback.

Now, Smith is back with the Jets and hoping to end their 15-year playoff drought.

And it turns out Wilson may be willing to fill the role Smith once did just five years ago.

Wilson visits Jets

As first reported by Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, Wilson visited the Jets in Florham Park on Tuesday. No deal is currently imminent, but Wilson is open to being the backup to Smith going into the 2025 season.

More importantly, though, reports state that Smith is just as excited about that potential reunion.

From a career achievements perspective, it makes perfect sense why the Jets would want Wilson as the backup quarterback next season. He’s thrown for over 46,000 yards during a 14-year career that has included 10 Pro Bowls, a Super Bowl title, and an All-Pro nod.

Even with his career hitting a major bump in the last five years, Wilson is still someone who can make accurate throws and run an effective offense. More importantly, his desire to stay in New York (he was the starter-turned-backup for the Giants in 2025) cannot be overlooked.

If Wilson is fully committed to being the backup to Smith, a potential signing with the Jets makes all the sense in the world.

First, New York’s current backup options on the roster are full of question marks. Young signal-callers like Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook have left much to be desired when given opportunities to play. Fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik is considered a project and shouldn’t be anywhere close to the field this season.

Second, none of the Jets’ other free-agent options are any better.

While players like Tyrod Taylor and Cooper Rush remain available with plenty of backup experience, the Jets cannot count on either to be any more productive in their offense than Wilson should something happen to Smith.

Wilson may not be the most popular pick, especially with how his career has plummeted since leaving Seattle, but New York can’t be picky when it comes to a role like QB2.

In this case, giving Smith a chance to reunite with a former signal-caller he once backed up is too good an opportunity to pass up.