With the NFL Combine over and the draft coming up, there are a number of teams that are looking for a quarterback. You can add the Denver Broncos to the list of teams looking for a quarterback, as they informed Russell Wilson that they will release him after the new league year starts. The Broncos will take a $85 million hit in dead money over the next two years, via ESPN.
“On behalf of the Broncos, we thank Russell for his contributions and dedication to our team and community while wishing him the best as he continues his career," general manager George Paton and coach Sean Payton said in a joint statement. “As we move forward, we are focused on building the strongest team possible for the 2024 season and beyond. We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency."
Wilson also released a statement, thanking the Denver fans and his teammates.
Wilson had signed a five-year deal with the Broncos shortly after they acquired him in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks two years ago. While he won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks, his time with the Broncos was a disaster. He led the Broncos to an 11-19 record, completed 63.3 percent of his passes for 6,594 yards, threw 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions, and was benched for the last two games of last season. Under Wilson, the Broncos had one of the worst offenses in the league, scoring 18.9 points per game(26th) and having just 311.7 yards per game(27th), and didn’t make the playoffs.
So where will Russell go? Let’s look at his top potential landing spots.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings want to keep their current quarterback, Kirk Cousins. However, it doesn’t look like Cousins wants to stay. According to Pro Football Talk, there are indications that Cousins wants to move to Atlanta and thus would sign with the Falcons. If Cousins does go to the Falcons, then the Vikings would need a quarterback, and Wilson wouldn’t be a bad option if the Vikings don’t draft a quarterback.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers might try to get Justin Fields. If they don’t get Fields, then they could get Wilson. Wilson would be an upgrade over Kenny Pickett. Wilson would probably have to compete with Pickett for the starting job, and Wilson would win that competition.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are currently in a rebuilding phase. They have Mac Jones under contract for at least the 2024 season. With the third pick in the draft, the Patriots have been linked to Jayden Daniels from LSU. Should the Patriots not get Daniels, Wilson could replace Jones or, at the very least, mentor Jones and wouldn’t be a bad backup.
Prediction: I think Wilson will go to the Steelers; they seem like the best and most logical fit of the three.
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