Two years after a trade with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire star quarterback Russell Wilson, the Denver Broncos have thrown in the towel.
The team confirmed Monday that Wilson will be released from his contract at the opening of the administrative season and that he will be able to listen to offers from the 31 other NFL teams.
This release, for the Broncos, will come with a hefty bill since Wilson had put his name at the bottom of a $242.6 million contract at the time of the transaction with the Seahawks. This contract made Wilson impossible to trade for the Broncos and we absorbed $85 million to make another call.
That’s for the Broncos. Coach Sean Payton will have the mandate to find a new general behind center for the next attack.
But what are the options for Russell Wilson at 35?
The Super Bowl champion (with Seattle in 2014) could still offer a short-term solution for a team one or two pieces away from playoff aspirations. This is also the feeling of the ESPN experts surveyed on the question.
Wilson is, currently, an average starter who can offer good things, without reliving his glory years with the Seahawks. His mobility diminishes a little more each season, as does his execution speed, but his experience offers him an interesting perspective.
Certainly, a few teams will be interested and he will receive offers to take the starting role before next season.
Here are the formations likely to pique the interest of the polarizing quarterback.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are never far away when a quarterback hits the market. Unfortunately for them, they haven’t found the right formula for the team yet.
Antonio Pierce is no longer the interim coach and he will be able to put his mark on the team. The team has the 13th pick in the draft, which is far away to have hope of finding a franchise quarterback at this position.
Additionally, Wilson had mentioned his desire to play in Vegas during the 2022 trade.
If gambling appeals to you, as is the tradition in Vegas, there may be a small bet to be made here. Russell Wilson on the Strip, there’s a worse idea.
Falcons d’Atlanta
After the failure of the Desmond Ridder experiment, the Falcons will be in the running for all quarterbacks on the free agent market.
At least, we assume. The team is young and built to win very soon. Even though we had concrete aspirations before the last campaign since the division was weakened.
With Wilson, Atlanta’s ground game could become a force to be feared in 2024. A veteran to handle a period of change is rarely a bad idea.
Steelers the Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has already announced the end of its association with Mitch Trubisky while we will try to find answers internally with Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph.
Despite an ordinary season, it is believed that the Steelers will offer Pickett another chance to shine. But Wilson would be cheap and we could add the veteran to the equation to continue the youngster’s learning curve.
In addition, Pittsburgh has a solid training, a well-drilled defense and a coach who has seen snow. Russell Wilson would instantly find himself in a win-win situation with plenty of potential.
Kirk Cousins
Vikings you Minnesota
Kirk Cousins will be the most coveted quarterback on the free agent market and he will undoubtedly go to the highest bidder.
Could the Vikings turn to savings by giving Wilson a chance?
We could, among the Vikings, take advantage of the season to draft a quarterback, develop him a season or two behind Wilson without losing the interesting attack with Justin Jefferson.
For Wilson, replacing Cousins would be an interesting challenge, if Kirk Cousins changes teams.
New England Patriots
After Bill Belichick with the Patriots will be closely scrutinized by fans. After all, we are talking about a dynasty that has held the book ajar since the departure of Tom Brady and which will now have to begin a new chapter.
Mac Jones, with his performances in recent seasons, does not emerge as a long-term solution.
The problem here is that Wilson suggests to anyone who will listen that he wants to be in a winning situation. The Pats, with the 3rd pick in the next draft, are coming out of a difficult transitional season and it would be surprising to see them threaten the Bills and the Dolphins next season in their division.
If Wilson is considering an offer from the Pats, it would likely come with the promise of using the 3rd pick on an explosive player like Marvin Harrison Jr. instead of a quarterback.
What if he wanted to become a backup quarterback?
Russell Wilson, as the Broncos assume the vast majority of his contract, will be a boon to whichever team acquires his services.
Could he come to a championship contending team and play the role of a luxury reserve?
It’s unlikely, but it’s far from impossible. Let’s say he wants to get completely back into shape and change the narrative surrounding him, he could come and support a very solid quarterback in his position and ensure that the team does not collapse in the event of an injury. He could also come and offer his experience to a young quarterback and take a season to analyze his options.
There’s nothing impossible in the NFL…but don’t bet on this scenario.
The administrative season begins on March 13, the rumors will be stronger and stronger between now and then.
2024-03-05 13:49:49
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