Russell Wilson’s journey with the Denver Broncos may be over.
The Broncos will bench the quarterback for the final two games and start Jarrett Stidham, multiple league sources confirmed Wednesday. Denver (7-8) hosts the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday and travels to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18. According to team sources, Wilson will serve as the No. 2 quarterback.
Wilson is expected to March cutsEvery CompetitorIt’s Diana Russini. Just two years ago, the Broncos traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks, three players and more to Seattle for four points from the Seahawks’ nine-time Pro Bowler guard.
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Wilson has thrown for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season, his first under head coach Sean Payton, but his contract is a question. Wilson is guaranteed $39 million in 2024. If he is still on the roster by Day 5 of the 2024 league season, which begins in March, he will receive $37 million in injury protection.
So what does this mean for Wilson in 2024? If the Broncos do cut him, who might have the need and interest? We identified four teams — the Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots and Washington Commanders — that could potentially add Wilson, who just turned 35 last month, to the lineup. is completing his 12th season in the NFL.
CompetitorThese team writers weigh in on why Wilson might be a fit, and why he might not be a fit.
las vegas raiders
Why Wilson might be a good fit: The only way that makes sense for the Raiders is to release Wilson. They have to find a way to get rid of their expensive backup quarterback — Jimmy Garoppolo — who will take a huge loss this offseason and don’t have any interest in taking Wilson’s salary. That being said, Wilson has been solid this year: He ranks 10th in pass completion percentage, 16th in passing yards, tied for sixth in passing touchdowns, and has only been sacked in 15 games. 8 interceptions. He’s no longer a Pro Bowl caliber player, but he’s still the starting quarterback. If he’s willing to sign on the cheap and the Raiders can’t draft their quarterback of the future, it might make sense to sign him to compete with Aidan O’Connell for the starting job.
Why he might not: The Raiders really, really, really need to draft their quarterback of the future this offseason. After getting rid of Derek Carr and quickly doing the same with Garoppolo, they need to get off the aging veteran quarterback treadmill and reset their schedule. Given the circumstances, O’Connell has done a decent job since taking over for Garoppolo, but he doesn’t look like he should be a long-term option. The best way for the Raiders to find players is through the draft, rather than adding a declining veteran quarterback. — Tashan Reed, Raiders beat writer
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minnesota vikings
Why Wilson might be a good fit: It feels like a Hail Mary of sorts, which seems appropriate considering Wilson is the subject. The Vikings quarterback’s plans for 2024 are uncertain, as Kirk Cousins’ contract expires at the end of the season and he will likely have many suitors. If Cousins signs elsewhere, the Vikings could pursue a high-end talent in the draft. In this case, they might sign a quarterback to allow the youngster to develop. If he were released, Wilson would fall into that category along with other lower-to-mid-level options.
Why he might not: The return of Cousins will immediately end this discussion. But even if he leaves, it’s questionable whether Wilson’s asking price is justified. Garoppolo, for example, signed a three-year, $72.5 million deal with the Raiders in March. Wilson was older, but also more accomplished. Let’s say he wants a two-year, $40 million deal. The Vikings may draft a quarterback in Cousins’ absence, but they’re unlikely to pay that much for a short-term solution. Additionally, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell values accuracy in the middle of the field and wide vision at quarterback. While Wilson has been statistically impressive this season, those qualities have been questioned, which is why the Broncos benched him in the first place. — Alec Lewis, Vikings beat writer
new england patriots
Why Wilson might be a good fit: Simply put, the Patriots need a quarterback in 2024 after the Mac Jones era ends. It’s unclear who will make key decisions for the team this offseason, but Bill Belichick praised Wilson before last weekend’s Patriots victory. If Belichick is still around, he may be interested in a quick-fix scheme rather than a rebuild, which could make Wilson the option for New England.
why he might not: If the Patriots end up with the top two picks, there’s plenty of reason to take advantage and sign a quarterback on a rookie deal. It’s also worth noting that Wilson is already 35 years old and may not fit in with the Patriots’ hopes of finding a long-term quarterback this offseason, especially if Belichick doesn’t make a decision going forward. — Chad Graff, Patriots beat writer
commander washington
Why Wilson might be a good fit: On Sunday, Jacoby Brissett will become Washington’s 36th starting quarterback since 1993. This sad story means all options must be considered. At the right price — meaning salary; no prospect of Washington trading the pick — Wilson could be viewed as a viable option if the team is looking for a quick turnaround and a marquee player.
Why he might not: Further proof that time is a flat circle: Coach Ron Rivera pushes to trade Wilson in 2022, but Wilson’s interest in joining the ringleaders’ circus under owner Dan Snyder is zero. Now, with Snyder out – and Rivera likely exiting after this season – will Russ want to cook in the nation’s capital? Even if he did, commanders are unlikely to be interested. New decision-makers will determine the depth of the rebuild, but it’s clear Washington’s holes aren’t limited to quarterback. If the Commanders hold on to the third pick in the draft, they could potentially select a highly touted prospect. Brissett is a 2024 free agent and is a clean veteran who could pair with a draft pick or Sam Howell. — Ben Standig
(Photo: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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