The New York Jets kicked the tires on veteran quarterback Russell Wilson on a free agent visit last week.
NFL Insider Connor Hughes of SNY reported that there was a significant amount of “mutual interest” between the two parties. However, the latest plot twist could throw a wrench into those plans.
“Russell Wilson is in deep discussions to go into television, which could mark the end of what is likely a Hall of Fame career as an NFL quarterback,” sources briefed on the talks told The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand. “The NFL Today,’ CBS’ Sunday pregame show, is considered the favorite as the two sides have had lengthy talks, the sources said.”
“A future in TV this season appears to be a real scenario,” NFL Insider Ari Meirov posted on social media in response to this report.
Jokes Will Be Written
If Wilson ends up going into TV this offseason, there will be a lot of jokes written. A former Super Bowl-winning quarterback choosing to end his football career rather than being the backup QB behind Geno Smith on the Jets.
Whether that is true or not, that’ll be the perception.
“Russell Wilson is considering going into broadcasting — there’s also some QB2 interest from the Jets,” Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic said.
“Wrote this after the season. No clue why Wilson would want to try to hang on as the Jets’ backup QB. And it’s no surprise that TV execs are interested,” Dan Duggan of The Athletic wrote.
“Former Giants QB, @TheSavBananas star, and possible future Jets backup QB is pondering retirement. 👇,” NFL on FOX reporter Ralph Vacchiano responded.
Adding a Veteran QB Is Good for Business
Whether it’s Mr. Unlimited or another veteran quarterback, it makes sense for the Jets to make a move.
Geno Smith is the QB1. The team has made that emphatically clear. However, the rest of the quarterback room is very TBD.
The other quarterbacks on the roster lack NFL starting experience:
- Bailey Zappe (nine career starts)
- Brady Cook (four career starts)
- Cade Klubnik (zero career starts)
The Jets are one injury away from one of those passers stepping into the spotlight. Is that the Jets’ plan?
It doesn’t seem like head coach Aaron Glenn would be too enthralled with that scenario. Last year, he threw the keys of the car over to Brady Cook. Across his four starts, he went 0-4, threw two touchdowns to seven interceptions, and completed 57.5% of his passes.
Safe to say it didn’t go well. It seems hard to believe that Glenn would subject himself, or the fans for that matter, to that level of quarterback play, especially in a season where AG needs to win to keep his job.
It would make sense to add a competent guy who can hold down the fort if Smith gets hurt. The free agent options are pretty thin at this stage of the offseason, but there are a couple of guys who stand out from the rest:
Plus, Wilson is still technically available unless he makes the jump to television.
Russell Wilson’s Career News Throws Wrench Into Jets QB Plans