Russell Wilson makes major career decision after Jets rumors

A May report revealed that free-agent quarterback Russell Wilson could either sign with the New York Jets to serve as a backup for Geno Smith or become an analyst for one of the NFL's main media partners. 

It appears that Wilson is ready to embrace the next chapter of his football-related journey. 

Russell Wilson exchanges helmet for studio microphone

According to Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports, Wilson "is expected to accept the job to replace Matt Ryan on CBS’s 'NFL Today' studio program." Ryan left CBS to become the Atlanta Falcons' president of football this past winter. 

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Wilson "may not be retiring." Thus, the door could be open for the 37-year-old to join a potential contender if such a club loses a starting quarterback to an injury later this year. 

Wilson earned 10 Pro Bowl nods during his career that began when the Seattle Seahawks made him a third-round pick during the 2012 NFL Draft. While he guided that franchise to one Super Bowl championship, he more recently made just three starts for the New York Giants last September before he was benched in favor of then-rookie Jaxson Dart.   

There's no indication the Giants considered re-signing Wilson so he could be a backup along with fellow veteran Jameis Winston this coming season. Additionally, it's assumed that no team offered to give Wilson a chance to compete for a QB1 job before he decided to join CBS. 

What's next for the Jets after latest Russell Wilson news?

Back in May, Wilson told the New York Post that he received an offer to sign with the Jets. Thus, one could assume that Gang Green doesn't want 2026 fourth-round draft pick Cade Klubnik, 2025 undrafted rookie Brady Cook or journeyman Bailey Zappe to be Smith's primary backup when New York opens the upcoming campaign with a matchup at the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 13. 

However, Klubnik has reportedly impressed onlookers during springtime workouts. The Jets could still explore signing a different veteran, or the club could give Klubnik a legitimate chance to earn the QB2 job via a competition that would also feature Cook and Zappe.