Andrew Buller-Russ
Most athletes who have ever picked up a football would love to have the type of career that Russell Wilson has enjoyed. After all, how many third-round picks can say they earned the title of franchise quarterback as a rookie?
Wilson did that and helped the Seattle Seahawks win the organization’s first Super Bowl in just his second season of play. He did all this despite being undersized at 5-foot-11, going on to earn 10 Pro Bowl accolades along the way.
While Wilson’s early career was magnificent, he’s come back down to earth as of late, leading his team to just one playoff appearance since 2021. That comes after seven playoff appearances in his first eight seasons. Although the 37-year-old may no longer be looked upon as a high-end starter, there’s no doubt that he’s still a capable quarterback who even flashed game-changing potential with the Giants last season.
He’s already received one contract offer from the New York Jets, but Wilson is also said to be mulling TV opportunities. Yet, if Wilson really wants to play but isn’t moved by the Jets’ offer, who else could sign him this offseason?
Related: 5 New York Jets QB Options To Back Up Geno Smith in 2026
New England Patriots
The Patriots have surely found their franchise quarterback, so they are now filling out their depth chart with developmental prospects. Their primary backup, Tommy DeVito, is a bit of a mix of both, but he may not have much more untapped potential at this point. If Drake Maye suffers an injury, are the Patriots really confident that DeVito can lead a winning effort for multiple games? Wilson would definitely boost their odds.
Detroit Lions
The Lions continue hitching their cart to Teddy Bridgewater, who may be excellent at helping the team during their game-to-game preparation for their upcoming opponents. However, can he effectively lead the same high-powered offense that Jared Goff can? Of course not. Yet, Wilson may have a better chance at maintaining the Lions’ explosive scoring attack, and he would also benefit from playing inside the domed stadium of Ford Field.
Buffalo Bills
When Josh Allen is healthy, the Buffalo Bills are Super Bowl contenders. If he’s not, and backup Kyle Allen has to lead the charge, then the Bills are effectively screwed. While no one can replace Allen’s production as a passer and a rusher, Wilson may be their best bet to help in a pinch. Plus, he’d still get to live in New York, as he did last year playing for the Giants.
PIttsburgh Steelers
A reunion? We can’t entirely rule it out with Aaron Rodgers still unsigned in free agency. Wilson led the Steelers to the playoffs once; who’s to say he can’t do it again with Mike McCarthy pressing the buttons? This outcome would only make sense if Rodgers surprisingly decides not to sign in Pittsburgh, but for some reason, he still hasn’t agreed to a new contract.
Denver Broncos
Have the Broncos burned the bridges with Wilson? It’s possible the ice still hasn’t thawed over for Sean Payton and GM George Paton. Yet, they did recently express interest in adding a quarterback while Bo Nix recovers from surgery, and if for some reason he’s not ready for Week 1, Wilson would be a sizable upgrade over Jarrett Stidham.
Related: 2026 NFL QB Rankings: From NFL’s Worst Starting QB to the Best
