Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reported that the Jets are considering Wilson as a backup option behind Smith in 2026, and that Smith was presented with several candidates for the No. 2 job and was excited about the prospect of having Wilson in the room.
Rich Cimini of ESPN confirmed the visit took place late Monday afternoon at the Jets facility, adding that nothing is imminent but that Wilson is being considered.
Smith backed up Wilson for two seasons in Seattle in 2020 and 2021 before Wilson was traded to Denver and Smith took over as the Seahawks' starter.
The two have an established relationship, Wilson lives locally, and Smith reportedly had Wilson in mind when the Jets were exploring their options at the backup position.
What Wilson's Career Looks Like Now
At 37 years old, Wilson is in the final chapter of one of the more turbulent quarterback careers in recent memory.
After the disaster in Denver that saw the Broncos absorb the largest dead cap hit in NFL history at the time to move on from him, Wilson signed a one-year veteran minimum deal with the Steelers for 2024 and won the starting job over Justin Fields.
He threw for 2,482 yards with 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in Pittsburgh, good enough numbers in a difficult situation, but the Steelers pivoted to Aaron Rodgers in the offseason and Wilson moved on to the Giants for 2025.
Russell Wilson to the Jets?
— The Goal Line Grind (@theGLgrind) April 29, 2026
The Athletic reports that they're apparently considering him for a backup role to Geno Smith and brought him in for a visit.
Russ is coming off a career low 58% completion percentage in three games started last year for the Giants. pic.twitter.com/gr2outnfBZ
In New York, he started three games, went 0-3, and was benched in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart after completing 58 percent of his passes for 831 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
His lone highlight was a 450-yard performance in an overtime loss to the Cowboys that showed the arm is still there when things break right.
He became a free agent in March and has received no other known interest since.
Why the Jets Would Make This Move
New York drafted Cade Klubnik in the fourth round at pick 110 to add quarterback depth alongside Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook, but none of those three inspire confidence as a legitimate backup to a starting quarterback entering his first season with the organization.
Klubnik is an inexperienced rookie coming off an inconsistent Clemson career. Zappe has bounced around multiple teams and practice squads. Cook completed just 57.5 percent of his passes in limited action for the Jets late last season.
Wilson gives the Jets a 10-time Pro Bowl selection with starting experience across multiple franchises who already has a personal relationship with Smith and understands what it takes to play at a high level in New York.
Russell Wilson visited the New York Jets.
— Jets Nation (@JetsNationCP) April 29, 2026
Could back up Geno Smith
Possible QB reunion in New York. pic.twitter.com/Ble6rV50Eg
The downside is clear. If Smith goes down and Wilson is forced to start, the Jets would be starting a 37-year-old who was benched by the Giants three games into the season.
Head coach Aaron Glenn enters the year on the hot seat, and that is not the safety net he is hoping to lean on. No deal is imminent, and the Jets will take their time before committing.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
