Russell Wilson Turned Down the Jets and Is Now Considering TV Instead of Playing Ball

So Russell Wilson visited the New York Jets last week, and yeah, they offered him a backup gig. But here's the thing: he's not sold on staying in the NFL at all. After a brutal 2025 season where he went 0-3 as the Giants' starter before getting benched for rookie Jaxson Dart and finishing as third-string, Wilson is at a crossroads. And honestly? The guy who once led Seattle to the Super Bowl is actually weighing whether to jump to broadcasting instead of chasing one more backup role.

The Jets Came Calling, But Wilson's Hesitating

The Jets didn't waste time. Wilson confirmed he visited MetLife Stadium and got a legitimate offer to be a backup, which would have reunited him with former Seahawks QB Geno Smith in New York. On the surface, that checks a lot of boxes: stay in the league, be in New York, link up with someone who understands the Seattle system. But when Wilson spoke to the New York Post about it, the message was surprisingly measured.

"It was great," Wilson said. "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, so we'll see what happens."

Notice what he didn't say? He didn't jump at the Jets job. He's genuinely undecided between staying in the NFL as a backup and pivoting to television.

The Reality Check After a Brutal Run

Wilson's last few years have been a downward spiral nobody saw coming. After his legendary time with the Seahawks, he bounced through Denver, Pittsburgh, and New York without sticking anywhere. The Giants were supposed to be a fresh start. Instead, he started 0-3, got benched, and watched a rookie outplay him for the job. Finishing the season as third-string quarterback? That's a gut punch for any veteran, let alone someone with Wilson's resume.

At this point, there are no real starting opportunities left for him anywhere in the league. Most people in the NFL world think it's time to move on to something different. Whether that's TV or something else entirely, Wilson is finally admitting what a lot of Seahawks fans have been thinking: the window on his playing career is closing fast.

The Jets made their pitch. But Wilson's got options, and he's taking his time figuring out which one makes the most sense for what's left of his career.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.