The New York Jets might not need the real deal after all with the addition of Russell Wilson’s former backup.
Geno Smith, a former Jets starter who supported Wilson for a number of seasons in Seattle, was already signed by New York as a quarterback.
However, after inviting the free agent to visit the team facilities in Florham Park, New Jersey last month, second-year Jets head coach Aaron Glenn also seemed to show some interest in Wilson.
However, Glenn now seems to be considering other backup possibilities for Smith after hosting Wilson.
When asked about the possibility of signing Wilson, Glenn told reporters at the Jets rookie minicamp this week, “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.” “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.”
Wilson, 37, is a free agent following a challenging 2025 season with the New York Giants.
On May 7, Russell Wilson and his spouse Ciara go to the 2026 Outstanding Mother Awards.
The Jets have rookie fourth-round selection Cable Klubnik in addition to Smith, who had a poor season with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025.
The 22-year-old Clemson graduate won MVP of the ACC Championship Game in 2022 and 2024 while going 26-14 as a starter for the Tigers.
The 37-year-old Wilson started the previous season for the New York Giants before being benched in favour of rookie Jaxson Dart.
Wilson does have alternatives outside of football; CBS Sports is considering hiring him as an analyst. However, Wilson’s NFL future isn’t entirely dependent on the Jets, as a source told The Daily Mail earlier this week. While he considers becoming a CBS commentator, he might consider other offers to remain in the league.
“He is currently leaning toward doing TV but not fully retiring and seeing how the season pans out with injuries,” the source told The Daily Mail, emphasising that Wilson may choose to return even if he is unsigned at the beginning of training camp, depending on the opportunities available to him during the season.
Aaron Glenn, the head coach of the Jets in his second season, doesn’t seem to be interested in Wilson.
He would definitely think about joining a team that is trying to make the playoffs later in the season. He believes that television is his future, so he will sign a contract right away and watch the game from the studio if it is too wonderful to pass up.
“However, his contract might include a clause allowing him to sign with a team if necessary.”
According to a source close to Wilson, he doesn’t want that to be the last chapter of his career if he can avoid it. “He is eager not to retire and have one final moment, but he is OK taking a year off and trying TV,” the source added. “He’s going the route of having his cake and eating it too.”
The addition of three first-round draft selections—Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.—buoyed the Jets into 2026 after finishing with a dismal 3-14 record in 2025.
