In one of the biggest trades of the decade, the Seattle Seahawks sent Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos for Drew Lock, Noah Fant, two first round, and two second round draft picks. It is clear now, that Seattle won that trade.
But amidst his struggles in Denver, Russell Wilson has been benched for the remainder of the 2023 season, and the Broncos claim there are intentions to cut the Superbowl winning quarterback. Dang, first he’s dropped from Subway, now the Broncos. Here are five teams that should sign Russell Wilson, and five that should stay away.
Should Sign Wilson: Minnesota Vikings
Jaren Hall, Nick Mullens, Joshua Dobbs, and Kirk Cousins. What do all these people have in common? They all started a game as the quarterback for the Vikings in 2023. Franchise quarterback for the Vikings Kirk Cousins tore his Achilles tendon in week eight, and it will be a difficult injury to come back from, especially for a 35-year-old quarterback. Wilson would be a solid fit with the Minnesota Vikings and could help propel an offense that has struggled to put up points in 2023. Wilson’s ability to improvise and buy time in the pocket is an element that Cousins doesn’t possess, so maybe it’s time for the Vikings to move on from Kirk and let Russ cook.
Should stay away: Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys fans are actually justified in their trash talk this season, as they have witnessed yet another double-digit win season, and the team’s third playoff berth in a row. Dak Prescott has been balling out with over 4,000 yards and 30 passing touchdowns. Anything that Wilson could offer Dem Boys, is not needed, and it would honestly be a waste of roster space to acquire Wilson.
Should Sign Wilson: Atlanta Falcons
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Picture this: Russell Wilson and Desmond Ridder quarterback battle in the preseason. That would be fun to watch, but there is also the chance that Wilson could simply provide a mentorship for the Young Falcons’ quarterback. This could be an Aaron Rodgers and Zach Wilson type of deal, where the young struggling quarterback is benched in favor of the veteran star who is willing to teach his backup everything he knows. Wilson just seems like the type of guy who would be willing to teach everything he knows. Granted, given his performance for the Broncos how much would Ridder actually want to learn? Regardless, Atlanta would be a solid fit for Wilson to live out the rest of his playing days and help mentor Desmond Ridder.
Should stay away: Philadelphia Eagles
Fun fact: the Philadelphia Eagles were looking to draft Russell Wilson in 2012, but the Seahawks got to him before the Eagles, and Philly settled for Nick Foles instead (it still worked out for them though). Regardless, the Eagles are not in the market for a quarterback right now, with starter Jalen Hurts, and backup Marcus Mariota, even if Wilson were to join the Eagles, he would not see the field. In addition, there isn’t a need for a veteran presence in the QB room.
Should Sign Wilson: Arizona Cardinals
There have been questions about Kyler Murray as the Cardinals’ franchise guy since he hurt his hamstring in 2022. Coaches also grew frustrated with Murray’s lack of commitment to the team citing similar issues like those the Raiders saw with JaMarcus Russell. At worst, Wilson would be a veteran QB to backup Murray, and best-case scenario Wilson would outplay Murray in training camp and take the starting job. There are also predictions that the Cardinals will trade Murray in view of the upcoming draft. No matter what happens, Wilson will still be a good fit in Arizona.
Should stay away: San Francisco 49ers
How funny would it be if Wilson joined the biggest rivals of the team that drafted him? Even still, the 49ers’ offense does not fit Wilson’s style of play. The Niners found their guy in Brock Purdy, and he has excelled in the 49ers’ offense. Granted, that offense consists of handing the ball off to CMC and throwing short passes to insanely athletic receivers, but if it’s not broke why fix it? All in all, there are just better places for Wilson to take his talents to other than the Bay Area.
Should Sign Wilson: Las Vegas Raiders
Antonio Pierce is building his case as to why he should be the Raiders’ head coach in 2024. If the current interim head coach is given the reigns to the team in 2024, a veteran quarterback may help to boost their offense. After dominant defensive showings in weeks 14, 15, and 16, it is clear that the offense is the unit that needs some attention in the offseason. The Raiders have had three starting quarterbacks in 2023 and are projected by many experts to select quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the draft. With that being said, the Raiders have the opportunity to sign Wilson, and focus their draft picks on surrounding him with playmakers.
Should stay away: Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin is once again finding a way to win with poor quarterback play. Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett, and Mitch Trubisky have all taken snaps as the Steelers’ quarterback this year, and the team has still found success. Even though the quarterback rotation is due to poor play, there is still no reason for the Steelers to sign Wilson. The Steelers are clearly doing something right, considering they are right in the mix for a playoff spot. With a fairly young quarterback room, the Steelers can build off of the 2023 season in order to prepare for 2024.
Should Sign Wilson: New England Patriots
Bill Belichick is on the hot seat for the first time in his Patriots career. The Patriots have suffered losing seasons three of the past four years and have struggled to find a reliable quarterback to replace Tom Brady. Mac Jones has shown that he isn’t the answer, and Bailey Zappe has not been much better. Belichick has the opportunity to sign a veteran quarterback, and potentially earn himself one more year as head coach of the Patriots. Even if Belichick is for sure leaving New England, Wilson would still be an instant starter, and a solid bridge player should the Patriots look to the draft for their franchise guy.
Should stay away: Seattle Seahawks
What is the Wilson trade was a new tactic by NFL front offices where they send a player to another team to get a load of draft picks, tank, and get that player back and continue to be a winning franchise. Given Pete Caroll’s track record at USC, this a funny hypothetical. Back to the real world, the Seahawks Fan base will not welcome Wilson, and Wilson was greeted with a series of boos when he played the Seahawks in 2022. Plus, the Seahawks seem to have found their guy in Geno Smith, and even gave Drew Lock a career revival as Geno’s backup. In a franchise that prides themselves on their fan base, Russell Wilson will not be a reasonable acquisition, nor will he be welcomed back.
