Jets Host Russell Wilson for Backup Quarterback Role, Geno Smith Advocates for Reunion

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief

The New York Jets are exploring a potential reunion between two former Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks, with veteran signal-caller Russell Wilson visiting the team’s facility late Monday night as a candidate for the backup role behind starter Geno Smith. The move, first reported by ESPN’s Rich Cimini, comes at Smith’s suggestion—a rare demonstrate of quarterback-room diplomacy in a league where egos often clash over depth-chart positioning.

Wilson’s Visit: What We Understand

Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, met with Jets officials on April 28, though a deal is not considered imminent. The 35-year-old quarterback is currently a free agent after being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this offseason. His visit to Florham Park marks the latest chapter in a career that has seen dramatic highs and lows since his trade from Seattle to the Denver Broncos in 2022.

According to Cimini, Smith “advocated for Wilson when team officials solicited his input on potential backups.” The endorsement carries weight given the pair’s history: Smith and Wilson were teammates in Seattle from 2019 to 2021, with Wilson serving as the starter and Smith as his backup. Their relationship remained cordial even after Smith replaced Wilson as Seattle’s starter in 2022, culminating in a memorable Week 1 victory over Wilson’s Broncos that season. Smith’s postgame comment—“They wrote me off. I ain’t write back though”—became an instant rallying cry for his resurgent career.

Why This Move Makes Sense for the Jets

New York’s quarterback depth chart currently features Smith as the unquestioned starter, with 2024 fifth-round pick Michael Pratt as the primary backup. The Jets acquired Smith in March via a late-round pick swap with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he endured a tricky 2025 season. Smith led the NFL in interceptions (17) and sacks taken (55) last year, raising questions about his durability and decision-making under pressure.

Adding Wilson would provide the Jets with a proven veteran presence—one with playoff experience and a track record of leadership. While his tenure in Denver was marred by inconsistency (including a then-record dead-cap hit upon his release), Wilson’s ability to manage games and mentor younger quarterbacks could be invaluable in a backup role. His mobility and improvisational skills also offer a stark contrast to Smith’s pocket-passing style, giving offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett more schematic flexibility.

The Career Trajectories of Smith and Wilson

Smith’s NFL journey has been defined by resilience. Drafted by the Jets in the second round in 2013, he spent his first four seasons in New York before being traded to Seattle in 2017. After backing up Wilson for three years, Smith took over as the Seahawks’ starter in 2022 and earned two Pro Bowl selections in three seasons. His trade to the Raiders in 2025 proved disastrous, however, as he struggled with accuracy and protection issues in Las Vegas.

Wilson’s path has been even more turbulent. After a decade of success in Seattle—including two Super Bowl appearances and one championship—he was traded to Denver in 2022. His first season with the Broncos under Nathaniel Hackett was a disaster, with the team finishing 5-12 and Hackett fired midseason. Wilson rebounded slightly under Sean Payton in 2023 but was released after the team absorbed a $85 million dead-cap hit, the largest in NFL history at the time. His one-year stint with the Steelers in 2025 ended without a playoff appearance, leaving his future uncertain.

What’s Next for Wilson and the Jets?

The Jets’ decision to bring in Wilson reflects a broader trend in the NFL: teams prioritizing veteran backup quarterbacks with starting experience. While Smith remains the clear starter, the team’s interest in Wilson suggests they’re preparing for all contingencies—especially given Smith’s injury history and the physical toll of last season.

For Wilson, joining the Jets would represent a chance to rebuild his reputation in a lower-pressure role. His ability to mentor Pratt and provide stability if Smith misses time could craft him an attractive option for New York. However, with no deal finalized, Wilson remains a free agent, and other teams—including the New York Giants, who have been linked to him in recent weeks—could still emerge as suitors.

Key Takeaways

• Geno Smith advocated for Russell Wilson’s visit, showing rare quarterback-room unity.
• Wilson’s mobility and experience could complement Smith’s pocket-passing style.
• The Jets are prioritizing veteran depth behind Smith after his struggles in Las Vegas.
• Wilson’s career has seen dramatic ups and downs since leaving Seattle, including a record dead-cap hit in Denver.
• No deal is imminent, but Wilson’s visit signals New York’s proactive approach to quarterback depth.

What’s Next?

The Jets’ next official move will likely arrive in the coming days, with Wilson’s free agency status remaining fluid. New York’s offseason program continues through June, with mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 10–12. Fans can follow official updates from the Jets’ website or the NFL’s transaction page.

Have thoughts on Wilson’s potential role with the Jets? Share your grab in the comments below or on social media using #JetsQB.