Former Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson is at a crossroads as he’s in the twilight of his career. Wilson has to decide whether he wants to continue playing ahead of the 2026 NFL season or pivot to a new career on television.
In a May 6 article in which Wilson spoke to the New York Post about his visit with the New York Jets, the veteran revealed that he also has opportunities off the field to transition into a role in his post-playing career.
“It was great,” Wilson said about his visit with the Jets. “They offered me, and I’m trying to figure out what the next best thing is for me to do. I still know I can play ball at a high level, but also I have an opportunity to do TV (analysis), so we’ll see what happens.”
Although Wilson would want to show that he can still play at a high level if given the chance to play next season, NBC Sports NFL insider Mike Florio is encouraging the 37-year-old to hang up his cleats and head to television.
“I just think, at the end of the day, you talk about being in New York, Joe Flacco is the only guy who was the highest-paid player in football at some point who gladly will hang around and take whatever job he can get at any spot on the depth chart,” Florio said on the May 7 edition of “PFT Live.”
“I don’t think Russell Wilson is wired to accept that. And if there’s a seat at CBS, I don’t know why you wouldn’t take it, because that seat may not be there next year.”
Chris Simms Also Urges Russell Wilson to Head to TV
Moreover, co-host Chris Simms agreed with Florio, noting that if Wilson decides that next year he wants to go into television as an analyst or color commentator, the offer might not be there, given that there could be more appealing candidates.
“CBS next year, who knows what they do? Travis Kelce might retire after next year,” Simms added. “We know every network wants him on TV. Damn, they wanted him on TV this year if he didn’t play. So you’re not guaranteed that spot. There are only a few of them. He is Russell Wilson. I’m sure he’ll consider having options.
“I think if I were advising him, again, I’m not trying to advise anybody where their heart is. If his heart is all about playing football, then go play football. But if you’re having doubts and you know it’s coming to an end, and just where it looks like for me and for us sitting on the outside here, I’d go to TV. It’s time.
“You had an incredible career. You’re only going to be a low-level backup for right now. That’s all you’re viewed as in the NFL. Start the new chapter in your life. That’s what I would advise him to do.”
Jets Could Have Two Ex-Seahawks QBs in 2026
Last season, Wilson was a placeholder for the New York Giants, as he was the veteran playing before the team decided to bench him in favor of first-round pick Jaxson Dart. Nonetheless, a potential move to New York’s other team will be a different situation.
Should he play for the Jets, he would be backing up another former Seahawks QB in Geno Smith, who is looking to bounce back after a disastrous 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Ex-Seahawks QB Russell Wilson Gets Strong Career Advice