Russell Wilson's run with the Denver Broncos may be over.
Multiple league sources confirmed Wednesday that the Broncos will bench the quarterback for their final two games and start Jarrett Stidham. Denver (7-8) hosts the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday and visits the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18. Wilson will be the No. 2 quarterback, a team source said.
Wilson expects it Cut in March, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. That would be just two years ago after the Broncos traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks, three players and more to Seattle for the quarterback, a nine-time Pro Bowler with the Seahawks.
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Wilson has thrown for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season, his first under head coach Sean Payton, but his contract is an issue. Wilson is guaranteed $39 million in 2024. He has $37 million in injury guarantees, which will become fully guaranteed if he is still on the roster on the fifth day of the 2024 league year, which begins in March.
So what does this mean for Wilson in 2024? If the Broncos cut him, who might have a need and interest in it? We've identified four teams – the Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots and Washington Commanders – that could potentially be in play for Wilson, who turned 35 last month and is nearing the completion of his 12th season in the NFL.
The Athletic's beat writers for these teams weighed in on why Wilson might and might not fit.
Las Vegas Raiders
Why Wilson could fit: This would only make sense for the Raiders if Wilson is released. They need to find a way to move on from their own expensive backup quarterback – Jimmy Garoppolo – this offseason, they will take a significant dead money hit in doing so, and they will have no interest in taking on Wilson's salary. Other than that, Wilson has been solid this year: He ranks 10th in completion percentage, 16th in passing yards, is tied for sixth in passing touchdowns and has thrown just eight interceptions in 15 games. He's no longer a Pro Bowl player, but he's still a starting-caliber quarterback. If he is willing to sign at a bargain price and the Raiders are unable to sign their future quarterback, perhaps it could make sense to sign him to compete with Aidan O'Connell for the starting job.
Why he might not do it: The Raiders really, really, really need to draft their quarterback of the future this offseason. After saying goodbye to Derek Carr and soon doing the same with Garoppolo, they need to get off the aging veteran quarterback treadmill and reset their timeline. O'Connell has done a good job for Garoppolo since taking over given the circumstances, but he doesn't look like he should be the long-term option. The best way for the Raiders to find this player is through the draft, not adding a declining veteran quarterback. – Tashan Reed, Raiders beat writer
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Minnesota Vikings
Why Wilson could fit: This feels like a sort of Hail Mary, which seems fitting given that Wilson is the subject. The Vikings' quarterback plans for 2024 are uncertain as Kirk Cousins' contract expires at the end of the season and he will likely have many suitors. If Cousins signs elsewhere, the Vikings could target a high-end talent in the draft. In this situation, they would likely sign a bridge quarterback to allow this young player to develop. If released, Wilson fits into this category alongside other mid- to low-end options.
Why he might not do it: The return of Cousins would immediately end this discussion. But even if he leaves, it's fair to question whether Wilson's asking price would make sense. Garoppolo, for example, signed a three-year, $72.5 million contract with the Raiders in March. Wilson is older, but also more successful. Say he wanted a two-year, $40 million deal. The Vikings, who would likely sign a QB in Cousins' absence, probably wouldn't pay that much money for a short-term answer. In addition, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell values accuracy in the middle of the field and vision from his QBs. Although Wilson has performed well statistically this season, those qualities are questionable, which is why the Broncos benched him in the first place. — Alec Lewis, Vikings beat writer
New England Patriots
Why Wilson could fit: The short answer is that the Patriots need a quarterback after the Mac Jones era ends in 2024. It's not yet clear who will make the team's key decisions this offseason, but Bill Belichick praised Wilson before their matchup last weekend, which was won by the Patriots. If Belichick is still around, he might be more interested in a quick-fix plan rather than a rebuild, potentially making Wilson an option in New England.
Why he might not do it: If the Patriots end up finishing in the top two, there would be plenty of reasons to take advantage and have a quarterback on a rookie contract. It's also worth noting that Wilson is 35 years old and may not fit the Patriots' hopes of finding a long-term quarterback this offseason, especially if Belichick doesn't make the decisions going forward. – Chad Graff, Patriots beat writer
Washington commanders
Why Wilson could fit: Jacoby Brissett will become Washington's 36th starting quarterback since 1993 on Sunday. This sad story means all options must be considered. At the right price – i.e. salary; I can't imagine Washington trading its picks – Wilson could be seen as a viable option if the franchise is looking for a quick turnaround and a top player.
Why he might not do it: Further proof that time is a flat circle: Coach Ron Rivera pushed to join Wilson in 2022, but Wilson had no interest in joining the Commanders' circus under owner Dan Snyder. Now that Snyder is out — and Rivera is likely out after this season — would Russ want to cook in the nation's capital? Even if he did, the commanders would probably have no interest in it. New decision-makers will determine the depth of a rebuild, but it's obvious Washington's holes extend beyond quarterback. If the Commanders keep the No. 3 pick in the draft, they could potentially select a highly touted prospect. Brissett, a 2024 free agent, is a clean-cut veteran who can be paired with a draft pick or Sam Howell. — Ben Standig
(Photo: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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