After weeks of uncertainty, the Denver Broncos called time on the failed Russell Wilson trade on Monday.
The former Seattle Seahawks quarterback endured a torrid time at the Broncos following the blockbuster 2022 trade and while his play did improve during his second season in Colorado, it was not enough to convince the Broncos that taking a huge financial hit was a price worth paying for them to make a fresh start at quarterback.
The 35-year-old will now enter free agency when the new league year begins next week and with the Broncos still on the hook to pay Wilson $39million in 2024, he could be a cheap option for a QB-needy franchise.
Here is a look at a few potential teams that could target Russell in free agency.
Atlanta Falcons
This has the potential for a marriage of convenience. Sitting at number eight in the draft, the Falcons won’t be able to draft one of the top-tier quarterback prospects and if they were to move for top free agent Kirk Cousins, they would be lacking the salary cap space to make many more moves this offseason. The scenario of the Falcons signing Wilson and then drafting one of the second-tier QBs that could be mentored by the former Seahawk is a realistic one.
Minnesota Vikings
This one depends on what happens to Kirk Cousins in the next couple of weeks. Should he opt to test the open market and end his stay in Minnesota, then Wilson could be a decent stop-gap veteran option. Stylistically, Wilson wouldn’t be a perfect fit, but his low price tag could open the door here.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Another side that sits lower in the draft and has a need behind centre after a poor second season from Kenny Pickett. There have been a few rumours that the Steelers have been looking at Wilson, but that buzz appears to be dying down now.
Las Vegas Raiders
New head coach Antonio Pierce spoke about his side’s need to avoid another ’Band-Aid’ quarterback at the NFL Combine last week. That’s exactly what Wilson would be, but if the Raiders are unable to address the position in either the draft or free agency, Wilson would quickly become a feasible option in Vegas.
New England Patriots
The Pats certainly have a need at quarterback, but are perhaps a somewhat unlikely destination for Wilson, given they have the third pick in the draft, when either Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye will likely be available. The amount of other gaps in the New England roster means that other positions need to be addressed in the draft and free agency.
Tennessee Titans
A move to Tennessee would likely mean a back-up role for Wilson, as Will Levis’ play last year did enough to convince the Titans that he has a future as a starter.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Another option that comes with caveats. Should the Bucs and Baker Mayfield reach an agreement on a fresh contract before the former number one draft pick hits free agency, this one isn’t likely to happen. But if Mayfield is tempted elsewhere, Wilson is a decent short-term option in Tampa Bay.
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