Russell Wilson's brief but tumultuous Denver Broncos tenure could be coming to an end.
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The Broncos decided to bench Wilson rather than risk his $37 million injury guarantee triggering, which would've happened if he suffered an injury over the final two games that prevented him from passing a physical in March.
There is a belief among multiple sources inside the league that Wilson's benching damaged the relationship between the Super Bowl winning quarterback and head coach Sean Payton beyond repair. Likewise, multiple reports suggest the Broncos could move on from Wilson this offseason.
If Wilson is released post-June 1, it would cost the Broncos $35.4 million in dead-money in 2024 and $49.6 million in 2025.
Still, don't expect a strong market for Wilson, should he become available.
"Some team will want him, but how much does Russell Wilson really have left?" an AFC Scouting Director told FanBuzz, on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about another team.
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Wilson passed for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns to eight interceptions this season, but one coach suggests that the way the 35-year-old's situation ended in both Seattle and Denver could make him unattractive to teams this offseason.
"He also has some diva in him," the scouting director adds. "And that isn't a good thing from your quarterback, if you're a young team. Plus, there is a nice group of young quarterbacks going to be available this offseason."
If Wilson does hit the market, here's a look at five situations that could make the most sense as his next destination in 2024:
Atlanta Falcons
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If Desmond Ridder's multiple benchings and the uninspiring play from Taylor Heinicke have shown anything, it is that subpar quarterback play is lowering the ceiling of what has the potential to be an explosive Atlanta Falcons offense.
Despite boasting young playmakers like running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts, the Falcons are averaging just 20.9 points per game, the seventh-lowest total in the NFL. Projected to have over $38 million in cap space, money would not be a hurdle to owner Arthur Blank making a run at Wilson, if the football operations side believes he is the best veteran option capable of leading a quick turnaround. If Atlanta adds some reinforcements along the offensive line, and drops Wilson into such a dynamic collection of young talent, it's hard to argue against the Falcons would enter next season as the team to beat in a very winnable AFC South.
New York Giants
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The New York Giants have a long way to go, and there's plenty of uncertainty both when it comes to Daniel Jones' actual upside and when exactly he will actually be available to return from a torn ACL suffered on Nov. 8.
Addressing one of the league's most porous offensive lines, which allowed a league-high 77 sacks and counting, and bolstering an inconsistent wide receiving corps should be paramount in terms of general manager Joe Schoen's offseason priorities. However, Wilson's mobility could mask some of the Giants' issues up front, and if Saquon Barkley returns, there are pieces in place to where the veteran quarterback's presence could elevate New York into the NFC Wild Card race in 2024. Despite committing $44 million to Daniel Jones last offseason, the Giants are projected to have upwards of $38.5 million in spending flexibility in 2024, which would make a Wilson addition plenty feasible.
Washington Commanders
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Washington has plenty of pieces in place on offense, a pair of dynamic wide receivers, an electrifying running back, and a competent offensive line, but it must figure out its quarterback situation this offseason if the Commanders have any chances of competing in the foreseeable future.
One NFL scout says the Commanders are the most logical destination for Wilson.
The Commanders are at an organizational crossroads; likely moving ahead into 2024 with a new general manager and head coach, and the new regime must decide whether it is more prudent to add a veteran quarterback in an attempt to make an immediate postseason push or aggressively move up in the draft to select one of the top prospects at the position. If new ownership is looking for a microwave solution, Wilson might wind up being the best of a group of potentially available veterans that could include Zach Wilson and perhaps Justin Fields this offseason. Expect Washington to be aggressive on the quarterback front with $90 million in cap space. Making a major splash for Wilson could be a move by the new ownership group to inject some excitement into a previously floundering franchise.
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Las Vegas Raiders
The 2024 season might be now or never time for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Presuming All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams doesn't force a trade or release this offseason, the Raiders' core on offense that includes Adams, running back Josh Jacobs and emerging wide receiver Jakobi Meyers might prove to be a quarterback away from making a real push. The Raiders are projected to have over $55.5 million in cap space, which would be plenty of resources to absorb a new Wilson contract. Besides, there would be something poetic about a Wilson revenge tour against the Broncos while wearing the silver and black and possibly leading the Raiders past a potentially vulnerable Kansas City, especially if the Chiefs don't invest significant resources into their colossal wide receiver problem this offseason.
Minnesota Vikings
If Wilson is released, don't be surprised if there winds up being strong mutual interested between the 35-year-old and the Vikings.
Minnesota could always opt to bring back Kirk Cousins in 2024, but short of re-working Cousins' deal, Wilson would give the Vikings the best chance to make a run at winning the NFC North — and maybe more, immediately. From Wilson's perspective, there are plenty of worse situations than having electrifying wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to throw to in coach Kevin O'Connell's quarterback-friendly offensive scheme. With $36.6 million in projected cap space, money likely wouldn't be an issue keeping Wilson out of Minnesota. Combine the Vikings' playmakers on offense with an offensive line that might be one of the top-10 most consistent in the league, and there's recipe for tangible immediate success for Wilson in Minnesota.
