It’s that time of year when fans and analysts alike conjure up some of the wildest theories about trade and draft. One such theory was proposed by former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum about Russell Wilson‘s next possible destination.
During the recent segment of ESPN’s Get Up, Tannenbaum claimed that Wilson would be a great fit as the backup to Aaron Rodgers at Gang Green. He argued that the Jets should pay the 35-year-old $1 million to sit behind Rodgers for one season and then become a free agent.
I think Russell Wilson would actually be a great fit for the New York Jets. Pay him $1 million and let him resurrect his career. Where else is he going to go? He has to resurrect his career. So if you have to sit for a year, why not sit behind one of the greatest of all time? [Aaron Rodgers]. Tannenbaum said
Former Jets linebacker turned ESPN analyst Bart Scott was sitting on the right-hand side of Tannenbaum. He couldn’t believe what his colleague was saying. With a shocked expression on his face, he checked Tannenbaum’s coffee mug as if to check what he drank before the monologue.
To support his proposal, he gave a short example of how Vinny Testaverde was in a similar situation in the 1998 season. Testaverde reached the AFC title game that campaign and even bagged his second Pro Bowl nod.
When Testaverde joined the Big Apple franchise, he fought with Glenn Foley for the starting job. But that’s not even remotely similar to Wilson backing up Rodgers. Rodgers is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, unlike Foley, and Wilson may join him at Canton because both have one ring each.
Russell Wilson to the Jets doesn’t sound like a match made in heaven
With 12 years and 188 career NFL games under his belt, it’s difficult to picture Wilson with the Jets. As Tannenbaum said, he would step into the franchise knowing well that Rodgers is the starter.
That’s one obstacle, and the other, even bigger one is the presence of Nathaniel Hackett. Wonder, how did Tannenbaum forget that just 10 months ago, the Wilson and Hackett pairing was branded as the ‘worst’ by current Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton? Hackett was fired from Mile High just after 15 games. If there are any hard feelings between the two, it would sour the already troubled Jets locker room.
There’s one thing for certain: Zach Wilson, Rodgers’ original Jets backup, might not be at MetLife Stadium next season. They had already hinted at trading the BYU graduate, and after owner Woody Johnson showed his disappointment, it’s not forward to assume that Wilson’s time is numbered.
He isn’t the only quarterback eyed for the backup job at the Jets. Commander Sam Howell is another name linked to the post. However, Jets cornerback, DJ Reed, has an even better suggestion.
Jacoby Brissett has the experience required to come off the bench. But it will cost them around $8 to $10 million, as per Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Will the Jets listen to their former GM and sign Russell Wilson or someone else? Fans will find out soon enough.
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