Aaron Glenn insists he is content with his quarterback room, and the New York Jets head coach appears to have moved on from the idea of adding Russell Wilson as a backup.
“We’re always going to go through a process on how we can improve the team and sometimes when you do that, I think it becomes a bigger issue than what it really is,” Glenn told reporters at the Jets’ rookie minicamp this week. “We’re talking to a number of veteran quarterbacks, but I will say this here in saying that: I’m happy with our quarterback room.”
Glenn’s comments come after the Jets hosted Wilson for a visit at their Florham Park facility last month, fuelling speculation that the 37-year-old could reunite with former back-up Geno Smith in New York. Smith, a former Jets starter who later served as Wilson’s understudy in Seattle, is now the projected starter for the 2026 season, a role offensive co‑ordinator Frank Reich has described as a “perfect” fit, praising Smith’s resilience and toughness. The Jets are understood to have extended a formal contract offer to Wilson to serve as Smith’s back‑up, but Glenn’s tone suggests the club is now exploring other options.
Alongside Smith, the Jets have rookie fourth‑round pick Cade Klubnik – the 22‑year‑old Clemson product who went 26‑14 as a starter and won ACC Championship Game MVP honours in 2022 and 2024 – as well as veteran Bailey Zappe and second‑year man Brady Cook. Klubnik, selected 110th overall, is regarded as a development prospect after a disappointing 2025 campaign, but the club believes his athleticism offers long‑term promise.
Wilson’s crossroads: TV or a late‑season return
Wilson, who began last season as the New York Giants’ starter before being demoted in favour of rookie first‑round pick Jaxson Dart, now faces a pivotal career decision. The 37‑year‑old is weighing the Jets’ offer against a potential analyst role with CBS Sports, with whom he is said to be in “deep talks” to join the pre‑game show The NFL Today, possibly replacing Matt Ryan. Wilson previously served as a guest analyst for CBS during the Giants’ bye week in 2025, an audition that has positioned him as a leading candidate for the studio job.
According to a source close to Wilson, the quarterback is not ready to close the door on playing. “He is currently leaning toward doing TV but not fully retiring and seeing how the season pans out with injuries,” the source told the Daily Mail. “He would highly consider joining a team later in the season that is making a playoff push. He feels that TV is his future and if he gets a contract that is too good to refuse, then he will do that immediately and monitor the game from the studio. But he could have a clause in his contract that he could sign with a team if needed.”
The source added that Wilson does not want his demotion in New York to be the final chapter of his career. “He is eager not to retire and have one final moment, but he is OK taking a year off and trying TV. He’s going the route of having his cake and eating it too.”
Wilson’s 2025 season with the Giants proved difficult. After losing the starter’s job to Dart – who started 12 games and led the team to a 4‑8 record in those contests while showing flashes with his legs and third‑down efficiency – Wilson was eventually passed over for Jameis Winston. The Giants have since invested in their offensive line, drafting tackle Francis Mauigoa. Wilson’s two‑year stint with the Denver Broncos before that was widely regarded as disastrous, leaving his once‑illustrious career – one that may still be Hall of Fame worthy – at a crossroads.
Jets bank on historic draft haul
The Jets finished 2025 with a miserable 3‑14 record, but the organisation has placed its faith in a long‑term rebuild under Glenn, whose job is considered safe. Central to that rebuild is a powerful 2026 draft class, headlined by three first‑round selections.
With the second overall pick, the Jets selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey, the highest defensive player ever drafted by the franchise. Bailey recorded 14.5 sacks in 2025 and is expected to add significant pass‑rushing firepower. At 16th overall, they landed Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who ran a 4.39 40‑yard dash at the combine – the fastest for a tight end in more than two decades – and led all FBS tight ends with eight receiving touchdowns last season. The Jets then traded up to the 30th overall pick to secure Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., the Hoosiers’ leading receiver in their national championship‑winning 2025 season, described as a versatile and competitive target with strong yards‑after‑catch ability.
With Smith, Klubnik, and a deep supporting cast, Glenn appears ready to move forward without the veteran who once defined the position – and let Wilson decide whether his future lies on the field or behind a studio desk.
