The 35-year-old quarterback will be released March 13. Here's who could be a match for his services.
The 35-year-old Wilson had a tumultuous two seasons in Denver, performing competently for most of the 2023 season but failing to live up to the five-year, $242.6 million contract he signed after being traded from thein March 2022. It was that rich contract that made Wilson virtually untradable for the Broncos -- who will absorb a $85 million cap hit over the next two seasons -- and places him in control of his own destiny.
Who might the suitors be for Wilson's services? ESPN's Jeremy Fowler sized up the complete state of Wilson's free agency and identified which teams represent the best and most intriguing fits -- as well as the QB-needy teams that are less of a match for Wilson:Andrew Hawkins and the"Get Up" crew evaluate the market for Russell Wilson and wonder how his next move could affect his legacy.
"He actually played well during their midseason winning streak," an AFC personnel man told us during the season."He's still a good quality starter. He can still make all of the throws, still mobile. Honestly, his skills haven't declined that much. It's more about the fit as a person. His teammates seemed to like him there.
"Physically Russ is declining as his deep ball, mobility and overall accuracy are fading," an AFC personnel director said."I think his career arc is unique because he's basically an older version of his younger self in Seattle. He needs a strong running game and defense once again to be a serviceable starter."An established veteran is attractive to Atlanta, but the sense is that the Falcons will target other quarterbacks.
The most realistic outcome is Wilson is willing to accept the league minimum, knowing Denver is on the hook for the full $39 million in guarantees, a move he leverages into a starting job somewhere with no promises beyond 2024.