Russell Wilson’s playing days are over.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter revealed that the “Ten-time Pro-Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson is finalizing a deal to become a CBS Sports analyst. Wilson won a Super Bowl, the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, and now leaves the NFL to become an analyst on the network’s pregame show that includes James Brown, Nate Burleson, and Bill Cowher.”
Wilson revealed in early May that after working out for the New York Jets at their facilities, he received a contract offer to be the QB2 behind Geno Smith.
The veteran quarterback had to think about it while also pondering a future in TV as an analyst. That future is now with Wilson choosing a broadcasting career over a backup role with the Jets.
Perhaps the Jets Dodged a Bullet
Wilson, 37, was set to turn 38 during the 2026 season.
The Jets strongly kicked the tires on him potentially being the backup to Smith. Which would have meant he was just one injury away from stepping on the field.
Giants analyst Anthony Rivardo warned me on “The Manchild Show with Boy Green Digital” when the Jets’ adding Wilson was still a possibility.
He told me that “it’s clear that the game” has passed Wilson by. The veteran quarterback must have come to that same assessment considering his career decision.
The TV gig would have always been there for him; a job playing in the NFL wouldn’t have been.
Brian Costello of the New York Post wasn’t surprised to hear this news on Monday, June 1.
“It always felt like this is where Wilson was headed even after his workout with the Jets,” Costello posted on social media.
Options Continue to Dwindle for the Jets
If the Jets truly want to add a veteran quarterback, they’d better move quickly.
With Wilson hanging up his cleats, there aren’t many passers left. According to Spotrac, there are two notable names left on the open market:
There are rumors that Garoppolo is considering retirement, so he may quickly move himself from the list of available options.
Rush has, at times during his career, proven to be a viable backup. However, his most recent stint with the Baltimore Ravens was incredibly underwhelming.
Lamar Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, has been the starting quarterback for the Ravens for years. Every once in a while, he experienced injury issues, and last year was one of those times.
Rush ended up appearing in four contests and started in two of those. With those opportunities, Rush completed 65.4% of his passes, threw for 303 passing yards, and had zero passing touchdowns to four interceptions.
After that underwhelming run, Rush got cut by the Ravens this offseason.
It doesn’t seem like the Jets are in any rush to add a veteran arm to the bullpen. ESPN’s Rich Cimini explained on the “Jets Collective” podcast that the team wants to see what they have in-house over the next three weeks.
This stretch of time will cover the remaining OTA practices and a three-day mandatory minicamp. After that period, Cimini says the team will reevaluate where they are with their QB room.
Russell Wilson Makes Final Call on Signing Jets Contract