Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson had been linked to a potential reunion with former teammate Geno Smith on the New York Jets. Yet, it appears that Wilson may be headed towards retirement just days after the Jets rumors emerged.
The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported that Wilson is in “deep discussions” to replace Matt Ryan as part of CBS’ “The NFL Today” pregame show. If Wilson accepts the gig, it would mean the end of his impressive NFL career.
“Russell Wilson is in deep discussions to go into television, which could mark the end of what is likely a Hall of Fame career as an NFL quarterback, sources briefed on the talks told The Athletic,” Marchand wrote in a May 1, 2026, story titled, “Russell Wilson in talks to go into TV, with CBS the favorite: Sources.”
“’The NFL Today,’ CBS’ Sunday pregame show, is considered the favorite as the two sides have had lengthy talks, the sources said. Wilson, 37, recently had a visit with the New York Jets about the possibility of backing up Geno Smith.”
Here’s what you need to know about Wilson’s future amid the latest career rumors.
Russell Wilson Cheered on the Seahawks in Latest Super Bowl Run
While Wilson’s tenure with the Seahawks ended in an abrupt divorce, the quarterback’s time with Seattle will eventually be remembered fondly. During Seattle’s latest Super Bowl run, Wilson was vocal about his support for his former franchise and quarterback Sam Darnold.
“Sam Darnold’s comeback story over the past 2 years has been one of the most inspirational things to watch!” Wilson posted on X ahead of the Super Bowl. “Cool seeing him overcome!!! Congrats bro.
“Hope you win it! 🏆 Go Hawks.”
Ex-Seahawks QB Geno Smith Is Pushing the Jets to Sign Russell Wilson: Insider
Wilson ending his career backing up Smith in New York would have been an interesting subplot. Smith was Wilson’s longtime backup in Seattle before getting a starting opportunity following the blockbuster Seahawks-Broncos trade.
Wilson met with the Jets on Monday, April 27, as Smith pushed for the team to add the former Pro Bowl quarterback. The latest report indicates that Wilson is trending towards retirement.
“The New York Jets, exploring the quarterbacks available as veteran backups, met late Monday afternoon at their facility with 10-time Pro Bowl selection Russell Wilson, a source said Tuesday,” ESPN’s Rich Cimini noted in an April 28, article titled, “Source: Jets host Russell Wilson on visit per Geno Smith’s idea.”
“… Smith advocated for Wilson when team officials solicited his input on potential backups, the source said. The two developed a good relationship as Seattle Seahawks teammates in 2020 and 2021. In those seasons, Smith served as Wilson’s backup before ascending to the No. 1 job in 2022, the year Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos.”
Russell Wilson & Wife, Ciara, Have 3 Kids Together
If Wilson does retire, it would give the quarterback more time to spend with his wife, Ciara, and their children. The couple has three children together, but Wilson is also involved in the life of Ciara’s oldest son, Future, as well.
During a 2024 interview on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Ciara opened up about meeting Wilson.
“After the first time we met, we both did the same thing,” Ciara said in 2024, per Essence. “He told his friend on the elevator going down, ‘She’s the one,’ and I called my best friend [Yolonda Frederick], who was my matron of honor, my makeup artist for legitimately 24 years, my best friend, right, and I said, ‘Yoli, I don’t want to jinx anything, but I think…’ and she goes, ‘He’s the one,’ and I go, ‘Yessss.’”
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