The 2026 NFL draft is behind us, and the New York Jets don’t have a clear-cut QB2 rostered behind Geno Smith.
Subsequently, the team hosted 37-year-old Russell Wilson for a free agent visit earlier this week. The ten-time Pro Bowler was teammates with Jets starting QB Geno Smith for multiple seasons in Seattle. According to multiple reports, Smith was consulted on QB2 options and raved about Wilson.
However, Wilson may no longer be in play to serve as the team’s backup.
According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, Wilson is in “deep talks” to enter the NFL broadcasting space, with CBS’s NFL Today emerging as the favorite. He would replace former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who left the network to serve as the Falcons’ president of football.
If Wilson ultimately decides to hang up the cleats and pursue a broadcasting career, the Jets will be left in a difficult spot. As we broke down, Wilson profiles as the Jets’ perfect backup option due to his health and starting experience in the league.
Beyond Wilson, New York’s options on the open market become very slim. The top veteran options include Cooper Rush and Tyrod Taylor, who served as the team’s backup over the past two seasons.
Rush, 32, led the Baltimore Ravens to a 0-2 record over two starts last season while completing 65.4% of his passes for 303 yards, zero touchdowns, and four interceptions, firmly marking it as his worst season yet in the NFL.
As for Taylor, 36, the biggest concern about his game is his inability to stay healthy, a crucial trait for a backup quarterback.
Missing out on Wilson would be a tough blow for the Jets, who enter May without a decisive QB2 rostered.
