Crazy Claim: Jets Should Sign Russell Wilson as Aaron Rodgers Backup?
Goodbye, Zach. Hello ... Russell?
According to a former New York general manager, this offseason should be one of "As the Wilsons Turn" for the Jets' quarterback position. By all accounts, Gang Green is already shopping a trade for disappointing former first-round draft pick Zach Wilson.
And now ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum shockingly says the Jets should replace him with veteran Russell Wilson to be Aaron Rodgers' backup in 2024. In fact, he called the Jets a "great fit."
The Denver Broncos are expected to release Russ, allowing him to hit the open market as a free agent.
"If you're Russell Wilson … where else is he gonna go?" Tannenbaum said during Monday's Get Up!. "So, if you have to sit for a year, why not sit behind one of the greatest of all time and then be a free agent again? Pay him $1 million and let him resurrect his career."
Because Rodgers is 40 and Wilson is a 35-year-old former star who likely would reject a backup role, co-host Dan Graziano leaped out of his chair and former Jet Bart Scott comically checked Tannenbaum's mug to see if he was drinking something other than coffee.
Tannenbaum stuck to his guns, however, pointing to the Jets signing Vinny Testaverde during his tenure in the front office after he was released by the Baltimore Ravens.
Claimed Tannenbaum, "(Russell) will have to be a backup somewhere."
But Russ is rumored to be a starting quarterback candidate for teams like the Falcons, Vikings, Steelers and Raiders. Plus, it's uncomfortable - if not unimaginable - to consider Russ reuniting with former Broncos' head coach and current New York offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett on the Jets.
During a dismal 2022, Russell is rumored to have had a major say in getting Hackett fired in Denver with a 4-11 record.
