The New York Jets hosted veteran quarterback Russell Wilson for a visit on Tuesday, signaling interest in him as a backup to starter Geno Smith. Smith advocated for bringing in Wilson when team officials sought his input on potential backups. The two previously teamed up in Seattle, where Smith backed up Wilson from 2019 to 2021.
New York hosted Wilson on April 28, according to reports from The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt and ESPN's Rich Cimini. While no deal is considered imminent, the Jets are seeking a veteran presence in their quarterback room behind Smith, who they acquired from the Raiders in March via a late-round pick swap after a difficult 2025 season that included 17 interceptions and 55 sacks. Smith, originally a 2013 second-round pick by the Jets, has advocated for the reunion with his former Seahawks teammate. Wilson, 37, spent 2024 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, starting 11 games with a 6-5 record, 2,482 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He joined the Giants in 2025, starting the first three games (0-3 record) before being benched, appearing in six games for 831 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Jets' current quarterbacks include Smith, 2026 fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik, second-year Brady Cook, and Bailey Zappe. Wilson's experience, including a Super Bowl win and 10 Pro Bowl selections, could provide stability, especially given the Jets' young weapons like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall.
