Throughout the 2026 offseason, the New York Jets were diligent in their approach to rebuild the roster from their difficult 2025 campaign. The quarterback position was the top need to address.
The acquisition of Geno Smith filled New York’s starting quarterback role. His backup, though, remains something of a mystery.
As confirmed by the 10-time Pro Bowler himself, the Jets offered a contract to former Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson to fill that need. And while the former Seahawk did come in for a visit, the 37-year-old isn’t committing to anything at this time.
“It was great,” Wilson told the New York Post. “They offered me, and I’m trying to figure out what the next best thing is for me to do. I still know I can play ball at a high level, but also I have an opportunity to do TV (analysis), so we’ll see what happens.”
Speaking to reporters after the first day of rookie minicamp, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn addressed the team’s interest in Wilson and whether another move could be made in the near future.
Jets’ QB options
Gang Green already has career backup Bailey Zappe, second-year man Brady Cook, and fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik on the roster. Bringing in a veteran like Wilson would definitively fill the team’s QB2 role.
It’s why Glenn, ever the denier of breaking news, didn’t make that commitment when discussing Wilson on Friday.
“We’re always going to go through a process on how we can improve the team and sometimes when you do that, I think it becomes a bigger issue than what it really is,” Glenn said. “We’re talking to a number of veteran quarterbacks, but I will say this here in saying that, I’m happy with our quarterback room.”
The team is perfectly fine waiting for Wilson, but they are also going to be in the market for a veteran quarterback to be a stabilizing backup.
That doesn’t mean they don’t like the young signal-callers on their roster, but it does show their practicality. No team should feel comfortable turning to the likes of Zappe, Cook, or a fourth-round rookie in a backup capacity should something happen to Smith.
Other veteran options available include Cooper Rush, Easton Stick, and Teddy Bridgewater. None of those names is anywhere close to Wilson’s level of competency.
So, while New York waits, they will keep their attention on the players currently on the roster, particularly Klubnik, who debuted at rookie minicamp this week.
But they are still willing to admit that Wilson would solve a major need for the team.
