NFL Rumors: Russell Wilson Linked to Surprising Team

March 16, 2026
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson warms up before 2025 game.

Free agent quarterback Russell Wilson is still a free agent, and now the Kansas City Chiefs are emerging as a very possible landing spot for the veteran.

With Patrick Mahomes recovering from major knee surgery after tearing his ACL and LCL late in the 2025 season, speculation has grown that Kansas City could pursue Wilson as experienced insurance heading into the 2026 campaign.

Chiefs Linked to Russell Wilson Amid Mahomes Injury

Wilson, 37, remains one of the most recognizable quarterbacks still available in free agency. 

According to FOX Sports analyst Greg Auman, the Chiefs could make a move for the veteran as a short-term bridge option depending on Mahomes’ recovery timeline. 

Kansas City currently lacks a proven veteran backup after Gardner Minshew departed in free agency, leaving a potential opening for a seasoned quarterback behind the franchise star.

Even if Mahomes returns early in the season, the Chiefs may still value the stability Wilson could provide in training camp and early regular-season games. 

The former Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl champion has more than a decade of starting experience and over 50,000 career passing yards.

Russell Wilson Still Hoping for One More Opportunity

Wilson’s recent seasons have been uneven, but he has still shown flashes of productive play.

In 2024 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he threw for 2,482 yards with 16 touchdowns and just five interceptions, posting a 95.6 passer rating while leading the team to a 6-5 record as a starter. 

His 2025 stint with the New York Giants did not go nearly as well, however, as he started only three games and finished with 831 passing yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions before eventually losing the job to rookie Jaxson Dart.

Despite the recent turbulence, Wilson insists he still has plenty left in the tank. 

The nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion has publicly said he hopes to play several more seasons, believing the modern NFL allows quarterbacks to extend their careers deeper into their late 30s. 

Photo Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

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