Andrew Buller-Russ
The New York Jets landed the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. In most years, that’s good enough to hone in on a potential franchise quarterback. But not this year, when most analysts projected just one quarterback to be drafted in the first round.
Thus, the Jets made other plans, like trading a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for Geno Smith long before the draft took place. With Smith, a two-time Pro Bowl QB, the Jets appear to have their starting QB for 2026. However, they also traded up to select Clemson’s Cade Klubnik in the fourth round.
Yet, the Jets’ QB room, which currently consists of Smith, Klubnik, Brady Cook, and Bailey Zappe, may not be set.
According to ESPN’s Jets insider Rich Cimini, the team recently hosted 10-time Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson for a free agency visit. Yet, Cimini reports that “nothing is imminent” as the Jets go through “their process” hunting for a veteran backup QB. Interestingly enough, Smith’s connection with Wilson from their days together in Seattle may have helped the former Super Bowl-winning Seahawks QB get a workout with the Giants.
“Let me add some context: Wilson lives locally, so it was convenient. Plus, when the Jets acquired Geno Smith in March to be their starter, they asked him about potential backups — players he admired. He mentioned Wilson, a former Seattle teammate, per source. So Wilson came in late yesterday and met with Aaron Glenn, Frank Reich and Darren Mougey.”
Wilson doesn’t have any starting opportunities remaining, unless he’s willing to join a rebuild like in Arizona or head back to Pittsburgh (who still seems attached to Aaron Rodgers), or wait for a potential injury to another starter. Thus, a return to New York, this time with the Jets rather than the Giants, could make sense for the 37-year-old QB.
Related: 5 Teams Who Improved The Most in 2026 NFL Draft, including the New York Jets
