If nothing unexpected happens, Russell Wilson, the quarterback for the Denver Broncos, will shortly be released and become a free agent.
Even though the Broncos were theoretically still in the running for the playoffs going into Week 17, they benched Wilson for their final two games of 2023. Subsequently, Wilson told reporters that he was benched by the Broncos because he refused to modify the injury guarantees in his contract.
What do experts think of Russell Wilson’s future ?
Wilson, 35, will be pursuing the opportunity to start as a quarterback in 2024, according to Pro Football Talk‘s Mike Florio, despite rumors that he could be happy to come on as a backup somewhere:
“When the Broncos benched quarterback Russell Wilson and it quickly became obvious that they’ll cut him before his 2025 salary of $37 million becomes fully guaranteed on March 17, a sense emerged that Wilson will take the league minimum elsewhere ($1.21 million) and stick the Broncos with the balance of his $39 million fully-guaranteed compensation package for 2024.
However, Wilson won’t be doing that as a backup. He’ll want, in exchange for his willingness to take so little, a commitment that he’ll be the starter…
With money not an issue, he’ll be looking for a place where he’ll know he’s going to play — and where he thinks the team will be good enough to allow him to restore his status as a player who could end up with a bronze bust in Canton. The last two years have muddied if not drowned his case for the Hall of Fame.”
The game Russell Wilson outplayed Mahomes and should’ve won his first MVP, did more with less than anyone else in the league. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/pTPluNqoGm
— siv 🥤 (@siv773) February 21, 2024
There are a few teams that Wilson could end up playing for. A starting quarterback is needed by the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders. If the Minnesota Vikings decide not to re-sign Kirk Cousins, they will require a new quarterback. The Pittsburgh Steelers may try to sign Wilson to compete with Kenny Pickett, who is an unreliable starter.