In the constantly churning mill of NFL rumors and hot takes, a recent comment by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum has sparked quite the controversy. Tannenbaum floated the notion that Russell Wilson, the embattled Denver Broncos quarterback, would serve as an ideal backup to Aaron Rodgers on the New York Jets, for a mere “million bucks.”
This idea, while certainly generating buzz, has been met with everything from skepticism to outright disbelief among fans and analysts alike. Let’s dive into why Tannenbaum’s proposal has been kicked around more than a football during kickoff.
Tannenbaum, whose tenure with the Jets had its own ups and downs, seems to believe that Wilson, despite his recent struggles in Denver, would make an excellent understudy to Aaron Rodgers in New York. This isn’t just about Wilson holding a clipboard, however; Tannenbaum also envisions this as an opportunity under head coach Nathaniel Hackett, a familiar face for Wilson.
Yet, this thought experiment has quickly been labeled from “horrendous” to “ridiculous.” Critics argue that Wilson, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback and one of the NFL’s marquee names, being relegated to a backup role seems improbable, if not an outright waste of talent.
Adding more fuel to the fire is the reality of Wilson’s situation in Denver. Having inked a mammoth contract extension, Wilson is assured $39 million, whether he takes the snap under center or not.
For someone of Wilson’s stature and competitive spirit, the idea of donning a headset and carrying a clipboard, especially in the prime years of his career, seems far-fetched. Critics argue that if it came down to it, Wilson might rather sit out a year and train on his own dime, rather than accept a diminished role.
Moreover, the prospect of Wilson reuniting with Nathaniel Hackett in New York, although intriguing on paper, is fraught with complications. Hackett’s tenure in Denver, where he served as Wilson’s head coach before being fired mid-season, is hardly a sterling recommendation for a reunion.
Plus, with the clock ticking on Wilson’s career and his aspirations for a Hall of Fame berth, taking a backseat—literally and metaphorically—might not be the wisest career move. The consensus seems to be that Wilson, despite the turbulence of his tenure in Denver, should seek a situation that offers him the best chance to cement his legacy as a starting quarterback, not as someone’s understudy.
In wrapping up, Tannenbaum’s suggestion, while certainly interesting fodder for the sports talk cycle, appears to be a Hail Mary that’s unlikely to find its receiver. As the NFL landscape shifts and teams vie for their next shot at glory, the path Russell Wilson chooses to pursue will be watched with bated breath. However, one thing seems certain: his journey is unlikely to lead to a quiet sideline in New York.
