Jets host Russell Wilson in search for backup quarterback

Russell Wilson might not have to move for his next job.

The Jets had the veteran quarterback in for a visit Monday night, according to a source. No signing was imminent as of Tuesday afternoon. Wilson spent last season with the Giants, starting three games.

The Jets have Geno Smith as their starting quarterback, but they are still interested in adding a veteran backup. Currently, the only other quarterbacks on the roster are Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook and Cade Klubnik, who the team drafted in the fourth round Saturday.

Wilson, 37, has history with Smith that could make him appealing for the Jets. The two played together in Seattle in 2020 and 2021. When the Jets acquired Smith in March from the Raiders, they asked him about potential veteran backups, and he said that he respected and admired Wilson from their time together.

The Jets had conversations with Wilson but neither side was in a hurry, and they decided to wait until after the draft ended to have further dialogue. Since Wilson lives locally, a visit was easy to set up and Wilson met with the team brass Monday night in Florham Park.

Wilson is a 10-time Pro Bowler and led the 2013 Seahawks to the Super Bowl title. He has bounced around over the past four years after leaving Seattle. He spent two years with the Broncos in 2022-23. Jets general manager Darren Mougey was the assistant general manager in Denver during Wilson’s two years there. Wilson then went to the Steelers in 2024 before playing for the Giants last season.

Wilson started the first three games of the season for the Giants before being replaced by rookie Jaxson Dart. He appeared briefly in three more games. He was 69-for-119 passing for 831 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.

The Jets don’t need the vintage Wilson of his Seahawks days, but he would make some sense for them as a backup because of his experience and relationship with Smith. Tyrod Taylor, who was the backup the past two years, remains a free agent but the Jets seem interested in other options.