The story of Russell Wilson’s future appears to be taking another turn, one that could see his playing career come to an end.
A few days after it was reported the former Seahawks quarterback had a visit with the New York Jets about possibly becoming ex-Seattle teammate Geno Smith’s backup, The Athletic reported Friday that he is “in deep discussions about instead going into television broadcasting.
The report stated that “The NFL Today," CBS' Sunday morning NFL pregame show, is “considered the favorite" to land Wilson.
A move into TV, The Athletic reported, “could mark the end of what is likely a Hall of Fame career as an NFL quarterback." The Athletic cited “sources briefed on the talks."
The Athletic noted that Wilson has worked with CBS on “a few occasions" over the years, including during a bye week for the Giants last season. The report noted that Wilson could fill a spot vacated by former Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan, who recently was hired as the president of the Falcons.
If hired, Wilson would join host James Brown, former Steelers coach Bill Cowher and another former Seahawk turned TV host, Nate Burleson.
The Athletic reported that CBS has “also shown interest in former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly.
Wilson became an unrestricted free agent in March when his contract with the New York Giants expired.
There had been no reports of teams having interest in signing Wilson until the report this week regarding the Jets. In March they traded for Smith to be their starter but are said to be interested in adding a veteran backup.
Wilson, who turns 38 in November, was benched after three games by the Giants last season.
Since being traded by Seattle to Denver in 2022, Wilson has played two years with the Broncos before being released, and one each with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Giants.
Wilson was one of just two members of Seattle’s 2013 Super Bowl champion team who played last season, the other being linebacker Bobby Wagner.
Wagner also is still without a team for the 2026 season after his contract with Washington expired in March and he became a free agent.
If neither were to play again, it could set up the interesting prospect of both being eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in five years.
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