Updated March 4: The Denver Broncos will release Russell Wilson, as had been speculated. The team will be hit with a record $85 million dead salary cap charge for cutting the veteran QB.
So, in the name of speculation, let’s see where Russ could end up next year.
Wilson’s (likely) final loss with the Broncos pushed New England out of the Drake Maye/Caleb Williams conversation. Russ taking over the reins from Mac Jones would make total sense — especially if (and that’s a big if, at this point) Bill Belichick were to stick around for one last go-round with the Pats.
The Falcons have an average quarterback room with Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder, but adding Wilson could give them the potential push over the edge into becoming a playoff-caliber team. Plus, Wilson’s wife Ciara grew up in Atlanta. It could be a perfect fit.
The No. 1 team in 2024 cap space, a premier draft slot and a lot of offensive weapons could make this an interesting third act for Wilson’s career. He would be a huge improvement over the current combo of Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett, who was just named starter for this week’s matchup against the Niners.
So what if they just took Anthony Richardson fourth overall in last year’s draft? He needs to learn from somebody and Gardner Minshew is not that guy. Wilson has a wealth of experience and if he is going to go anywhere, it should be where a young guy can observe and eventually take over the reins. Bonus points if that guy is Richardson.
How about Wilson remains in the division and gets revenge on the Broncos twice a season by airing it out to Davante Adams? At 7-8, the Raiders are probably figuring out that Aidan O’Connell, Jimmy Garappolo, and Brian Hoyer are not the answer.
Kirk Cousins has likely played his last game in Minnesota. The Vikings have a great offensive play-caller in Kevin O’Connell and one of the most elite young receiving groups in the league. Josh Dobbs had his moments this season, but is also not the answer. Plus, the NFC North is extremely winnable going forward.
Just take one look at Mike Tomlin’s quarterbacks and you’ll know why they need Wilson.
The Jets are cursed at quarterback. Their strategy, historically, has been to throw as many bodies at the problem as possible. One’s gotta work eventually. Despite 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers’ claims of being able to walk on water, vaccine-free, Wilson is likely the more dependable option.
Sure, the Browns are completely hamstrung by Deshaun Watson’s contract, but what’s one more older quarterback in the room? We’ve seen how Joe Flacco is doing.
Could you imagine? There is nothing like a return story, especially if you went to two Super Bowls there and won one. We are sure that Russ appreciated the support, Geno Smith, but, sorry, you’ll have to step aside. Seahawks country, let’s ride.