Russell Wilson Weighing Retirement After Meeting with Jets

Russell Wilson is contemplating retiring from football and try his luck on Television.

Russell Wilson Weighing Retirement After Meeting with Jets

Russell Wilson (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Russell Wilson is considering retirement and exploring a television career with CBS Sports.
  • He has held serious talks to potentially join "The NFL Today" pregame show.
  • Wilson recently visited the New York Jets, who are seeking an experienced backup quarterback.

Russell Wilson is making a surprise career move. The veteran NFL quarterback is looking into the possibility of transitioning into the world of television after retiring from football.

According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, football fans may get to see Wilson headlining “The NFL Today” pregame show on CBS Sports. Marchand noted that both sides have held serious talks over a possible contract.

The talks are in their early stages; therefore, it may take some more time before a concrete answer is available. Wilson will probably fill the vacant position left by former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan after he accepted the Atlanta Falcons’ offer to become the club’s president.

Wilson is not the only candidate CBS is eyeing to hire. The network has also shown interest in Hall of Fame linebacker Luke Kuechly. Kuechly retired six years ago. Before that, he won the best defensive rookie and best defensive player in the league in back-to-back years, was a seven-time All-Pro, and a seven-time Pro Bowler.

NBC Sports pulled off a surprising move by signing former Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike Tomlin.

Russell Wilson visited the New York Jets

Before Marchand linked Wilson to CBS Sports, the 37-year-old signal-caller visited the New York Jets. The Jets reportedly are looking to give Geno Smith an experienced backup.

Russell Wilson Weighing Retirement After Meeting with Jets
Darren Mougey (Image via IMAGO)

Wilson has a prior connection with the Jets’ general manager, Darren Mougey. Mougey was part of the Denver Broncos when Wilson started for the AFC West franchise. Wilson met with Mougey, head coach Aaron Glenn, and offensive coordinator Frank Reich during the visit.

Moreover, Wilson and Geno Smith were teammates at the Seattle Seahawks during Pete Carroll‘s tenure. But if Wilson accepts the offer from CBS Sports, then the Jets have to come up with a different plan. Nevertheless, they have nothing to worry about if the search for suitable veteran backup hits a dead end. The Jets have a young core with Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook, and fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik waiting for a chance to grab the QB2 role.

The reason the Jets are searching for an experienced veteran as backup is that they had to part ways with Justin Fields. Last year, Fields signed a two-year, $40 million contract but left the Big Apple franchise after registering a 2-9 record. Earlier this year, Fields signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.

A recap of Russell Wilson’s 2025 NFL season

Wilson spent the 2025 NFL season with the Jets’ in-state rivals, the New York Giants. He was not the only quarterback the G-Men had invested in. He battled for the starting job with first-round rookie Jaxson Dart and former Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston.

Wilson won the job and started the Giants’ first three games. After losing all three, the Giants benched him for Dart. With the Ole Miss alum running the show from under center, the Giants’ offense improved exponentially. However, the defense failed to match the intensity.

For the rest of the year, Wilson’s job was limited to playing as the reliever for Dart. He registered just 69 completions for 831 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. The Giants did not extend his contract. They added former 49ers and Titans QB Brandon Allen as added depth in the offseason.

Wilson, a graduate of the Wisconsin Badgers, was drafted in the third round by the Seattle Seahawks. In Seattle, he played in a couple of Super Bowls and won one in 2013. Wilson is a 10-time Pro Bowler, NFL passing touchdowns leader (2017), and NFL passer ratings leader (2015).

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