It's only a matter of time before the Denver Broncos decide to move on from quarterback Russell Wilson, something that's seemingly been brewing since the team decided to bench Wilson with two games remaining in the 2023 season.
With the writing seemingly on the wall regarding Wilson's future not being in Denver, of course the rumor mill has been churning regarding where he's going to end up next.
Given the fact that offset language in Wilson's contract makes it likely he could sign for the veteran minimum (around $1.2 million) and stick the Broncos with the remainder of the $39 million bill, it would seem that a lot of teams could be lined up to sign him. But as time goes along, we may discover that Wilson won't be the first quarterback domino to fall this offseason. What teams actually make sense for him from a coaching and roster perspective?
Let's rank them.
7. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are breaking in a new head coach in Jerod Mayo in the first year post-Bill Belichick. While it could make some sense for the Patriots to sign Russell Wilson as a bridge quarterback, this situation is just not good for Wilson at all.
The Patriots' weapons offensively are terrible, and this team is going through pretty much a complete rebuild right now. Add in the fact that they could draft a quarterback with the 3rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and you've got the makings for a situation that will do just about anything but enhance Wilson's NFL legacy.
6. Cleveland Browns
I think Russell Wilson going to the Cleveland Browns has a near-zero chance of happening due to the presence of Deshaun Watson on the roster, but the Browns are a team that needs to be in the market for a high-end QB2 this offseason.
Deshaun Watson has played just 12 games over the last three years. He's been suspended and frequently injured. Although signing with the Cleveland Browns wouldn't be a ticket straight to QB1 in Cleveland, it's maybe more likely than not that Wilson would play than not.
5. Las Vegas Raiders
The idea of Russell Wilson going to play for the Las Vegas Raiders could have some merit if he really wants to take two shots at the Broncos next year on the field. But if his motivation for signing in free agency is revenge against the Broncos...
Let's just say he should probably have other priorities.
The Raiders do have Davante Adams, but they just hired Luke Getsy as their new offensive coordinator. Is Russell Wilson really a good fit there after what we saw with him in Nathaniel Hackett's offense? Getsy isn't Hackett, but the two worked together in Green Bay and nearly both joined the Broncos back in 2022. Is this Raiders coaching staff there for the long haul? For that matter, is Davante Adams there for the long haul?
It just feels like the only reason why Russ would choose the Raiders is to get revenge on the Broncos, not because it's the best football move.
4. Atlanta Falcons
There is a lot of merit to the idea of the Atlanta Falcons being a good fit for Russell Wilson, but with Zac Robinson being hired as the offensive coordinator there, you can't help but wonder if this might be another poor fit schematically. Yes, the Falcons have weapons in Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. But is Zac Robinson the right coach for him?
Is Russell Wilson a good fit for an iteration of the Sean McVay offense? That offense requires the quarterback to do a lot of similar things that caused friction with Wilson and Sean Payton working together. That offense requires a lot of timing, being able to hit throws over the middle of the field and balance with the running game.
With Russell Wilson's best coming out of structure, this might not be the best overall fit.
3. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are in a situation where they could realistically lose Kirk Cousins in NFL Free Agency. If that ends up happening, the idea of giving Russell Wilson a contract worth $1.2 million, still looking to the NFL Draft at the quarterback position, and re-signing Justin Jefferson could be a match made in heaven.
The Vikings may need to do what's necessary this offseason to keep their best players around. Even if Russell Wilson isn't a great long-term fit for them, he may be their best bridge option for a season or two.
2. Washington Commanders
It might seem a little odd to put the Washington Commanders this high, especially because they have the 2nd overall pick and will likely take a QB in that slot. But the reality is that Russell Wilson's biggest advocate could be in Washington:
Head coach Dan Quinn.
Quinn and Wilson have won a championship together as members of the Seattle Seahawks. Although that's bordering on ancient history at this point, I think it's also fair to wonder whether or not Kliff Kingsbury is one of the better offensive coordinators for Wilson to work with. Kingsbury has worked very well with quarterbacks who play their best off-script both at the NFL and college level.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
Given the Steelers' situation with Kenny Pickett, I don't think there's anyone who could help the Steelers more this offseason that could realistically be available to them than Russell Wilson.
And for Wilson, why would you not choose the Steelers? Mike Tomlin has literally never had a losing season as a head coach. This is one of the most stable situations in the league. The Steelers always have a great defense and good weapons.
There's absolutely no question that Wilson should be making his way to Pittsburgh this offseason if at all possible.