Jets eye Russell Wilson and Tyler Lockett to bolster roster depth
Russell Wilson has mostly stayed out of the spotlight since the new league year began, but that does not mean he is done playing. On Tuesday, The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt revealed that the $8.1-billion New York Jets had recently hosted the veteran quarterback with the aim of having him back up Geno Smith. Should he sign a contract, it will be his second straight year in East Rutherford, as he had started the Giants' first three games of the 2025 season before being benched for Jaxson Dart. The development was met with much condemnation from fans: Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game! In a follow-up post, Rosenblatt said that the visit was the idea of Smith, who had backed up Wilson at the Seattle Seahawks from 2019 to 2021 before succeeding him as starter in 2022: Geno Smith was presented with various options at backup quarterback and he was excited about the prospect of Russell Wilson, per source. Jets and Wilson spoke at some point prior to the draft and scheduled Monday night's visit then. Could Russell Wilson joining Geno Smith's Jets lead to reunion with former WR? Analyst gives thoughts In a related development, Sports Illustrated's Jovan Alford pondered the ramifications of Russell Wilson rejoining Geno Smith at the Jets. According him, it could lead to the two convincing current free agent (and fellow ex-Seahawk) Tyler Lockett to join them: "The Jets did a great job addressing the WR room in the draft by taking Omar Cooper Jr. in the first round. However, New York could still use a veteran wideout who won't take valuable snaps away from the young guys and be a steadying force. Lockett fits the bill, as he's played 11 years in the NFL. With the Jets, Lockett would bring some familiarity for Wilson and Smith, and he could be their WR4/5, giving them a veteran who can create big plays in the intermediate passing game and line up in the slot." Lockett initially signed with the Tennessee Titans for the 2025 season but struggled throughout the course of seven games, amassing just ten receptions for 70 yards. He did, however, score a fumble recovery touchdown during a 22-21 win at the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. Upon being released from Nashville at his request in October, he reunited with Smith at the Las Vegas Raiders. There, he caught 22 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown in ten games.
