Russell Wilson Landing Spots: Broncos Release Pro Bowl Quarterback, Opening Door to New Opportunities
In a shocking move, the Denver Broncos announced on Monday their decision to release quarterback Russell Wilson at the start of the upcoming league year. This move comes just two years after the Broncos made headlines with the blockbuster trade that brought Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks to Denver. The decision to part ways with Wilson will come at a significant cost for the Broncos, as they will absorb a record amount of dead cap space.
Wilson’s tenure with the Broncos was marked by inconsistency and disappointment, with the team failing to make the playoffs in both seasons under his leadership. Despite his generally efficient play, Wilson found himself benched by head coach Sean Payton for the final two weeks of the 2023 season, signaling the end of his time in Denver.
The Broncos, who currently hold the 12th pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, will now shift their focus to finding a new quarterback to lead the team. However, the more immediate question revolves around Russell Wilson’s future and potential landing spots in the NFL.
Several teams are emerging as potential destinations for the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback. Here are some of the speculated landing spots:
- Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers are facing a quarterback conundrum with inconsistent play from 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett. Wilson could provide a stopgap solution while the team develops Pickett further. With a solid supporting cast and a playoff-ready defense, Pittsburgh seems like an intriguing option for Wilson.
- Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders, lacking a top draft pick for a new quarterback, might be interested in Wilson. Playing with elite talents like Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs could make Las Vegas an appealing destination for Wilson, and his presence could provide stability amid the team’s uncertainties.
- New England Patriots: If the Patriots are not enamored with the quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, they could consider signing Wilson as a stopgap starter. Wilson’s potential fit in the offensive scheme and the opportunity to return to the rookie pool for 2025 make New England a plausible option.
- Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons, having played themselves out of prime draft positioning, may opt for a veteran fallback option like Wilson. With a talented offensive roster, Wilson could provide immediate competition and guidance to the team’s young quarterback or serve as a bridge to future prospects.
- Minnesota Vikings: While the Vikings are expected to re-sign Kirk Cousins, Wilson could be a fascinating fallback option if circumstances change. With a potent offensive lineup, Wilson would have the weapons and support needed to compete at a high level in Minnesota.
As Russell Wilson prepares to enter free agency, the quarterback market is expected to be competitive, with several teams seeking an experienced signal-caller. Wilson, at 35 years old, still holds the potential to make a significant impact for a team looking to contend. The coming weeks will likely see negotiations and discussions intensify as Wilson evaluates his options and teams vie for his services. The quarterback carousel is in full swing, and the NFL landscape is set for some intriguing changes in the coming months.