After 158 starts across ten seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson lasted just two 30 games across two years with the Denver Broncos. We may not know who Sean Payton wants as his quarterback in 2024, but we know it won’t be Wilson.
Related: NFL playoff predictions
While the Broncos may not want the former Super Bowl winner, others will now that he’s been released. Here are five teams Wilson could join this offseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers add Russ, create stiff competition with Kenny Pickett
After having three different starters, yet somehow still making the playoffs, it’s clear the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t thrilled about their quarterback room. They’re not giving up on Kenny Pickett, but by being open to bringing in competition, the Steelers aren’t sold on their former first round pick just yet either.
New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith may be able to get more out of Pickett, and possibly even Mason Rudolph if he’s brought back too, but if the Steelers go in another direction, how about Russell Wilson?
He’s 35, so his long-term future may be in question, but perhaps that’s what makes Pittsburgh a perfect fit since Pickett still has room to grow. While he fell out of favor in Denver, Wilson has also shown the ability to play at an elite level, and if the Steelers can get a similar level of production out of the former Seahawks QB, this could be a dangerous team in the AFC North.
Las Vegas Raiders give Russ a shot at revenge
While the Las Vegas Raiders would like to add a young quarterback in the first round, they’re also sitting at pick No. 13, with several other QB-needy teams ahead of them in the draft order.
If the Raiders get the sense that trading up for a top quarterback is too expensive, perhaps signing a motivated Russell Wilson is the better option for 2024. Not only will he be eager to show the Denver Broncos why they made a mistake by benching and moving on from Wilson, but he also buys the Raiders time if they want to keep evaluating Aidan O’Connell, too.
Plus, signing Wilson and focusing on other areas of need in the 2024 NFL Draft will only make the Raiders a better overall team for the future when another top prospect emerges.
Related: 2024 NFL mock draft: Falcons find QB, Round 1 projections after NFL Combine
Atlanta Falcons pair Wilson with young weapons
The Atlanta Falcons hoped Desmond Ridder would wow them when surrounded by explosive talents such as Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson. It didn’t work, and now they find themselves with another top-ten pick, but not quite close enough for one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL Draft.
If the Falcons want to continue developing their third-round QB, signing a seasoned veteran like Russell Wilson could be the way to go. Instead of going through the typical growing pains associated with developing another young rookie, Wilson could get this Falcons team ready to compete for the NFC South right away in 2024.
Related: See where Russell Wilson lands in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings
Russell Wilson tries to help New England Patriots rebuild
Boasting the third overall pick, the New England Patriots are the current favorites to draft Jayden Daniels. That may happen, but if the Patriots receive an offer too good to refuse, it’s possible they see more value in rebuilding the roster while solving their QB needs in free agency.
If so, signing Russell Wilson could help jumpstart this Patriots offense quicker than any other veteran QB not named Kirk Cousins. Being on what would be his third team, both Wilson and the Patriots would have plenty of motivation to show they’re better than everyone thinks.
Minnesota Vikings pivot to Russell Wilson if Kirk Cousins departs
All signs point to the Minnesota Vikings re-signing Kirk Cousins this offseason, but we’ve seen wacky things happen in NFL free agency before. Plus, Cousins is also known for signing lucrative contracts, and there’s always a possibility the Vikings draw a line in the sand, knowing they have other needs, plus a desire to pay Justin Jefferson.
If Cousins finds an offer he prefers elsewhere, that leaves the Vikings with what they feel is a competitive roster, but no QB. Naturally, the ‘dream’ would be to trade up for someone like Jayden Daniels, but the Vikings aren’t the only team in that boat.
If the goal is to compete right away, another option could be to sign Russell Wilson, who could be eyeing a situation similar to the one Cousins initially fell in love with in Minnesota. One that features plenty of offensive weapons, a friendly playing atmosphere, and an opportunity to win right away. If so, the Vikings could end up being a perfect fit, in the short term.