The Broncos and quarterback Russell Wilson are headed for divorce with Wilson being released before the fifth day of the 2024 league year, but what’s next for Wilson?
If he is released, he will become a free agent. He could sign with any team of his choice.
So where will he land? Shortly after news of Wilson’s benching broke and it became clear that he would be released, PFT writers got together via text message to create a list of possible destinations.
Here they are (in no particular order): Raiders, Patriots, Steelers, Commanders, Falcons, Vikings, and — yes — Seahawks.
The most obvious destination is the Raiders. Jump to division rivals. That would leave the Broncos with a $39 million cash balance to pay Wilson next year, given the league minimum in 2024. They need a quarterback. Wilson can still play at a high enough level to be a starter.
It stands to reason that the Patriots are better than what they currently have. Wilson grew up in Richmond, Virginia, so he became intrigued by the Steelers. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has a special affinity for players from that area.
Commanders could be left with a clean slate at the position. So will the Falcons. The Vikings could be looking for a starter if Kirk Cousins leaves in free agency.
And why not the Seahawks? After acquiring two first-round picks, two second-round picks, one fifth-round pick and three players, it would take the Broncos to bring Russ back on a minimum one-year deal with the balance due. There is a certain kind of poetry. Remember, Geno Smith’s contract can be terminated after 2023. Acquiring Wilson at the lowest price in the league would be the kind of high-value trade that no team can afford to ignore.
Wilson will be able to go wherever he wants to go. And yes, the team will need him. If he’s willing to sign a minimum one-year deal and receive the rest from the Broncos, that would make him much more attractive than he otherwise would be.