Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson reaches a career crossroads: to stay in the NFL with the New York Jets or jump to CBS as an analyst.
The Jets gave Wilson an offer to be the backup quarterback behind Geno Smith. Smith served as Wilson’s backup for years on the Seattle Seahawks before the Denver Broncos traded for Wilson prior to the 2022 season.
Wilson commented on the workout with the New York Jets.
He said, “It was great. 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.”
Recently, CBS began negotiations with Wilson to become an analyst for their pregame coverage.
Russell Wilson’s Career Hinges on Decision
GettyWilson’s play declined dramatically when he left the Seattle Seahawks.
When the Seattle Seahawks traded Wilson to the Broncos, it proved to be the beginning of the end for Wilson. He struggled mightily in Denver, posting a record of 11-19 as a starting quarterback. The sacks continued to be an issue for Wilson as he took 100 sacks over the course of the two years with the Broncos. Head coach Sean Payton benched Wilson towards the end of the 2023 season to prevent injury guarantees from taking over his bloated contract.
After the Broncos released Wilson following the season, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers to compete with Justin Fields. Wilson had a respectable season, earning pro bowl honors and making the playoffs. However, the Steelers moved on in the offseason to bring in Aaron Rodgers. Wilson left for the New York Giants. He only started three games before the Giants benched him for Jaxson Dart.
A move to the New York Jets would signify a full circle moment of sorts for Wilson. It is likely one he never would have imagined many years ago. Backing up Smith, who learned so much from Wilson with the Seattle Seahawks, would be a strange experience for the potential hall of famer. Perhaps a move to television could look better for Wilson and his post-career aspirations.
Will Former Seattle Seahawk Russell Wilson Make the Hall of Fame?
GettyDespite the end of his Seahawks tenure, Wilson remains one of the greatest Seahawks of all time.
Regardless of Wilson’s decision and with how disappointing he was in Denver, there’s a negative taste in the mouths of football fans. Payton’s treatment of Wilson also diminished Wilson’s reputation as a quarterback.
However, Wilson remains one of the greatest, if not the most valuable, players in Seattle Seahawks franchise history. With the Legion of Boom Seahawks, they reached two Super Bowls including one win against the Denver Broncos. He reached nine pro bowls with Seattle and was an MVP candidate for several seasons. He leads the Seahawks in all time approximate value.
Unfortunately, Wilson’s departure from the Seattle Seahawks really damaged his ability to make the Hall of Fame. Per Pro Football Reference’s Hall of Fame tracker, Wilson ranks 19th all time, behind other fringe candidates Matt Ryan, Ben Roethlisberger, and Philip Rivers. It should be noted that he’s played less games but made more pro bowls than all three of those players. Ryan does have an MVP, which Wilson was close to winning but failed to follow through.
Ultimately, Wilson leaving the Seattle Seahawks to bet on himself hurts his ability to make the Hall of Fame. It led to less starts because of poor play and overshadowed his greatness with the Seattle Seahawks. That being said, there’s little doubt that when Wilson was in Seattle, he was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. His admission into the hall will be a close call when that moment comes.
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