As Russell Wilson approaches free agency, he’s become a hot topic in NFL circles, linked to several teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans. However, there’s one team that isn’t getting as much buzz but could be a compelling option: the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals may be an attractive landing spot for Wilson, especially if they decide to bench Kyler Murray, who hasn’t quite delivered on the expectations of a franchise quarterback. This was highlighted recently by analyst Bill Sparks, who suggested that Arizona could pivot to Wilson as they reassess their quarterback situation.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s been happening with Wilson and the Cardinals. In Pittsburgh, Wilson did guide the Steelers to the playoffs, but it’s clear that the synergy between him and the coaching staff was lacking. Their first-round exit against the Baltimore Ravens was a tough pill to swallow, and it underscored that the Steelers need a fresh start at the quarterback position. The team seems trapped in a cycle of rotating quarterbacks, something that doesn’t lend itself to progress. A younger, long-term starter is essential to revive the offensive identity.
Wilson’s time with the Steelers exposed some issues, particularly with the offensive philosophy under Arthur Smith. The clash over the direction just showed that things weren’t clicking, making it clear that a different approach could be better suited for both the quarterback and the team’s future.
Now, on the other side of the field, the Cardinals also find themselves at a crossroads. Murray’s performance in 2024 left much to be desired, as he led a passing attack that ranked just 18th overall. With 3,851 yards along with 21 touchdowns but a concerning 11 interceptions, it’s evident that he struggles to elevate the offense in ways a franchise cornerstone should. Moreover, head coach Jonathan Gannon’s record of 12-22 over his first two seasons puts his job security in jeopardy, which may prompt a shift in strategy.
The Cardinals could be wise to introduce competition for Murray, especially since they can move on without significant penalties after 2025. Having an experienced quarterback like Wilson could serve as a bridge to the next franchise player while pushing Murray to improve or to reconsider his role in Arizona.
With Drew Petzing emerging as an offensive mind to watch, feeding Wilson into this mix could create a dynamic duo, given Wilson’s dual-threat abilities. His knack for extending plays and creating yards could help solidify an Arizona offense searching for its identity. And with Wilson’s familiarity with the division from his time with the Seattle Seahawks, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to think he’d thrive there.
In short, bringing Russell Wilson to Arizona could be a mutually beneficial move. For Wilson, it’s a chance to recapture his previous form in an offense ready to grow. For the Cardinals, it could signal a new direction and a potential turnaround, keeping them competitive in a tough division. The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Wilson’s free agency is going to be one of the more closely followed storylines this offseason.
