The Denver Broncos made the inevitable official on Monday by announcing they'll be releasing quarterback Russell Wilson after the start of the new league year on March 13. The Broncos will inherit $85 million in dead cap charges over the next two years by releasing Wilson, which will be the largest dead cap hit in NFL history. Broncos general manager George Paton managed to avoid a $37 million guaranteed trigger for the 2025 season that would have taken effect this month had Wilson remained on the roster.
Wilson now reaches the open market as an intriguing free-agent quarterback. There's one loophole that makes Wilson particularly attractive. Wilson could potentially sign a one-year deal worth the league minimum of $1.21 million and the Broncos would still owe him $39 million. That would allow Wilson's next franchise to get a starting-caliber quarterback on a bargain with enough financial freedom to surround him with high-end talent.
With that potential outcome appealing to various suitors, we've identified three ideal fits for Wilson.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
The Raiders qualify as an appropriate landing spot for Wilson's services. Wilson knows the AFC West well after playing in it for the previous two seasons. New general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce have inherited a franchise without a long-term starting quarterback. Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to be released from his contract.
The Raiders are scheduled to pick 13th in the 2024 NFL Draft. That places them in no man's land for Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy. Telesco would have to execute quite the trade-up into the top five to land one of the top four quarterbacks. Is it worth parting with all that capital when a proven veteran like Wilson may be acquired at the league minimum?
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers must enter the 2024 campaign with a better plan at quarterback. Kenny Pickett struggled throughout the 2023 season with injuries and inconsistencies and was eventually benched in favor of Mason Rudolph. Re-signing Rudolph just to hold a lackluster quarterback battle between him and Pickett feels like a waste of everyone's time. No, Mike Tomlin and the Steelers should aim higher than what Pickett and/or Rudolph can provide.
Tomlin has managed to keep the Steelers competitive lately despite receiving poor quarterback play. Until they locate a solution at the position, they'll continue being everyone's preferred playoff opponent as the AFC's sixth or seventh seed. The ceiling would be elevated in Pittsburgh if Wilson came into the fold.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The Vikings find themselves at a crossroads. Kirk Cousins hasn't signed an extension and is being linked with the QB-needy Atlanta Falcons. Cousins' expected departure in free agency is indicating the Vikings must travel in a different direction at quarterback next season.
Do the Vikings trade up from 11th overall for a quarterback? The pieces are in place to win now with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson on offense. Kevin O'Connell is a brilliant offensive-minded coach who can maximize Wilson's talents. Signing Wilson would extend the Vikings' window while making them strong contenders to rival the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions for the NFC North division title in 2024.
