NEED TO KNOWThe New York Jets are eyeing Russell Wilson as a backup quarterback, according to a report
Wilson began last season as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants
The 10-time Pro Bowler would back up Geno Wilson, who was once his backup in Seattle
Russell Wilson might not have to go too far to land his next NFL gig.The New York Jets are eyeing the former New York Giants quarterback — who turns 38 midway through the upcoming NFL season — to serve as 35-year-old Geno Smith’s backup, according to a report in The Athletic. Wilson visited the Jets on Monday, April 27, the outlet reports, as the franchise looks to add to its quarterback room after landing Smith last month in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders.The potential signing would tie a bow on the quarterbacks’ careers, with Smith backing up Wilson in Seattle during the 2020 season with the Seahawks.
Smith is reportedly “excited” about the prospect of a reunion with Wilson, whose previous season with the Giants as a starter began with promise.
But the 10-time Pro Bowler was benched after an 0-3 start to the season, with rookie Jaxson Dart getting the nod in Week 4.
"I'm focused on helping this team win," Wilson told reporters at the time. "I'm focused on helping Jaxson. I'm focused on getting ready to be the best version of myself... I want to be here. I love this organization. I love the process of it all, I love the guys in the locker room. I'm not giving up on us in this season."The Giants’ 2025 campaign didn’t get much better from there, despite flashes of promise from the 22-year-old Dart. The team finished 4-13 on the season.Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE's free sports newsletter — sign up now!While riding the bench with the affable Jameis Winston, Wilson brought a veteran’s perspective to the team's adversity on the field.“I’m not done,” Wilson said last year. “I have so much belief in myself and know what I’m capable of. Life is sometimes a 16-round fight … and sometimes you feel like, in the moment, you are at the end of something heavy. I just believe I’m still in Round 5, Round 6.”