Mike Tannenbaum has ridiculous idea for NY Jets backup QB in 2024

Former NY Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum has been making headlines over the last few weeks for a variety of outlandish and ridiculous takes, and his most recent suggestion for his former team might be the most asinine of them all.

Tannenbaum appeared on ESPN's "Get Up" on Monday and offered up his ideal backup quarterback for the Jets to sign this offseason: longtime Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.

Yes, the same Russell Wilson who has started 188 career games and threw 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 15 starts last season. Tannenbaum insisted the Jets should sign Wilson to a one-year, $1 million contract.

Wilson isn't a free agent just yet, but rumors suggest the nine-time Pro Bowler is unlikely to be back in Denver next season. The expectation is that he will be released in the coming weeks.

It makes sense for the Jets to explore adding a veteran backup quarterback, but Wilson just isn't a logical fit.

Russell Wilson makes no sense as a NY Jets backup quarterback

Tannenbaum compared his suggestion to a situation he encountered when he was with the Jets in the late 90s. The Jets signed veteran Vinny Testaverde to compete with Glenn Foley for the starting QB job following the departure of Neil O'Donnell.

Needless to say, that has no relation to the Jets' current situation. Wilson wouldn't be coming to New York to compete with a young career backup for the starting job — he'd be coming to New York to sit behind Aaron Rodgers.

Not to mention, Tannenbaum's suggestion that Wilson would sign a one-year, $1 million contract is downright outrageous. 61 NFL quarterbacks made more than that in 2023 — essentially every QB on an active roster.

The going rate for a high-end backup is roughly $8-10 million, and again, Wilson might very well receive an opportunity to start elsewhere next season. Despite his struggles in 2022, Wilson was genuinely a solid starting quarterback this past year.

Tannenbaum essentially wants a starting-caliber QB and surefire future Hall of Famer to serve as Rodgers' backup on one of the cheapest quarterback contracts in the NFL, all to "revitalize his career." Someone make it make sense.

The Jets will very likely sign a veteran backup quarterback next month, but don't expect that player to be Russell Wilson. This suggestion makes absolutely no sense.