Following Denver head coach Sean Payton’s decision to bench quarterback Russell Wilson, it’s quite clear that Wilson has most likely taken his last snap in a Broncos uniform.
While Wilson is still painfully owed $39 million guaranteed in 2024, the Broncos decision to sit him will help avoid triggering a $37 million guarantee for 2025 in the event that he fails a physical in March.
The end result of this saga is that Wilson will most likely have a new home next season.
The question is, where will that home be???
ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum, a former general manager of the New York Jets and vice president of football operations for the Miami Dolphins, has already identified three potential landing spots for Wilson this offseason.
Tannenbaum believes that the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and New York Giants could be interested in acquiring the nine-time Pro Bowler.
Teams that could be interested in Wilson in 2024 – Atlanta, New Orleans and New York Giants https://t.co/9ERbNkF8IB
— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) December 27, 2023
“The Falcons can certainly use a quarterback upgrade,” Tannenbaum said. “Despite investing in top-10 picks in recent years, they still lag behind in scoring and passing offense. Wilson could provide a significant boost if he maintains his 2023 production.”
Regarding the Saints, Tannenbaum noted that they hope they already have their long-term quarterback in place with Derek Carr.
However, Carr has had an inconsistent season. Though he is guaranteed $30 million for 2024, so New Orleans could be hesitant to move on from him, especially since Wilson doesn’t even seem like he’d be an upgrade.
As for the Giants, who have financial commitments to quarterback Daniel Jones, Tannenbaum suggested that they might opt for a long-term solution through the draft instead of pursuing Wilson.
God’s got me.
Looking forward to what’s next.— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) December 28, 2023
Payton spoke about his decision to bench Wilson and the obvious financial motives that are assumed to be behind it. Though he did his best to deny that was the reason…
“I understand all the speculation and everything that surrounds a move like that. I can tell you, we’re desperately trying to win,” he said. “Sure, in our game today there are economics and all those other things, but the number one push behind this – and it’s a decision I’m making – is to get a spark offensively.”
#Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton on benching #RussellWilson and why he made the move pic.twitter.com/3GhqUBqYvu
— Nick Ferguson (@NickFerguson_25) December 27, 2023
Where do you think Wilson will be next season?
How much does he have left in the tank?
Will he ever be able to find his old Pro Bowl form? … Or are those “Let Russ Cook” days officially over???