NEW YORK — Russell Wilson has finalized a deal to become an analyst for CBS Sports' 'The NFL Today' pregame show in 2026, choosing the role over an offer to serve as a backup quarterback for the New York Jets. He will join James Brown, Nate Burleson, and Bill Cowher on the broadcast team.
Wilson’s decision follows a 2025 season with the New York Giants in which he started three games and posted an 0-3 record before being benched in favor of Jaxson Dart. The Giants opted to move forward with Dart for the remainder of the season.
Wilson visited the Jets on April 28, 2026, after they offered him a chance to continue his playing career as a backup to Geno Smith. “It was great,” Wilson said of his visit with the Jets. “They offered me, and I’m trying to figure out what the next best thing is for me to do. I still know I can play ball at a high level, but also I have an opportunity to do TV so we’ll see what happens.”
Wilson expressed respect for Smith, saying, “Geno is a great guy. We've been great friends, great teammates. I'm just focused on today.” He added, “I just love football. I love ball, being in it in every way, staying ready to play through and just every day I'm training and getting ready, but also too I think I have a lot of great opportunities. The good news is there's a lot I could have done. I think playing 14-plus years has been amazing for me and I'm just grateful I get to do what I love to do.”
Wilson played for three different NFL teams over the last three seasons. His 14-year NFL career includes a Super Bowl victory, 10 Pro Bowl selections, and a Walter Payton Man of the Year award. He compiled a 121-80-1 record in 202 regular-season starts, primarily with the Seattle Seahawks, where he went 104-53-1 as a starter. He was selected in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Wilson is putting “a pause” on his playing career. His move to CBS Sports follows his NFL playing career from 2012 to 2025, during which he accumulated 46,966 passing yards, 353 passing touchdowns, 5,568 rushing yards, and 31 rushing touchdowns across four NFL teams.