Russell Wilson's time with the Broncos is ending after two disappointing seasons. Denver will release him shortly after the 2024 NFL league year begins so it can save $37 million in 2025 and start fresh at quarterback.
Denver moving on from Wilson isn't surprising. While the 35-year-old posted respectable numbers in 2023, completing 66.4 percent of his passes for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, he had a record of just 11-19 with the Broncos.
Wilson made strides under Sean Payton's watch in 2023 after a dreadful '22 playing for Nathaniel Hackett, so some believed Wilson might get another year to see if he could regain the form he showed during his decade with the Seahawks. Once Sean Payton benched him for the final two games of the 2023 season, the writing about Wilson's future was on the wall.
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Wilson will now look for work with a third different NFL team. He should generate interest as a free agent despite his recent downturn, as he may accept a veteran minimum deal because of the money the Broncos still owe him. If that happens, plenty of teams will be willing to take on Wilson a low-risk, high-reward reclamation project.
Here's the latest news about Wilson's status as he navigates the free agent market for the first time in his career.
MORE: Why Broncos must pay NFL-record dead salary hit in 2024 after Russell Wilson release
Russell Wilson rumors tracker
Russell Wilson to sign with Steelers
Date: March 10
Source: Russell Wilson
Reports emerged Wilson would be signing with the Steelers. The man himself confirmed those rumors, posting a video on X hyping his decision to ink a deal with Pittsburgh.
Year 13. Grateful. @Steelers pic.twitter.com/0U4Q2sRtXs
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 11, 2024
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the deal will be for a one-year, team-friendly contract that will see Denver pay him $38 million in dead money.
Russell Wilson stopped for 'exploratory' meeting with Giants
Date: March 8
Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN
During Wilson's trip from Newark to Pittsburgh, the quarterback reportedly stopped for an "exploratory" meeting with the Giants, according to Adam Schefter.
The Giants are paying a ton of money to Daniel Jones, and it feels likely that for financial reasons, they will have to go with him as the starter. However, it doesn't hurt to kick the tires on other available QBs, including Wilson.
Russell Wilson visiting Steelers
Date: March 8
Source: Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
Wilson is visiting the Steelers today, flying from Newark to Pittsburgh according to Ian Rapoport, who cites a source at the airport.
A report Thursday connected Wilson to the Steelers, saying the two sides have mutual interest, and that interest is real enough for a visit to take place days after the 35-year-old's release.
Reports early this offseason have indicated the Steelers plan to give Kenny Pickett another chance to compete for the starting job, but their interest in Wilson appears to be quite real.
Russell Wilson 'open' to signing with Raiders
Date: March 7
Source: Cecil Lammey, Denver Sports
The Raiders are going to be operating the QB market this offseason, and Wilson is a potential target. Wilson is reportedly open to signing with the Raiders, and that those close to him have advised that he make that the choice.
Mutual interest between Steelers, Russell Wilson
Date: March 7
Source: Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Steelers are among the teams looking for quarterback help during the 2024 NFL offseason. They seem likely to pair a veteran signal-caller with 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett, and they are showing an interest in Wilson, per Dulac.
Wilson is reportedly interested in joining the Steelers, too, so Pittsburgh should be the favored landing spot for the signal-caller after his Broncos release.
Steelers are interested in signing Russell Wilson and are tentatively planning to meet with the former Broncos QB before start of free agency, per sources. Wilson has interest in joining Steelers. Story in PG forthcoming.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) March 7, 2024
MORE: Steelers, Raiders, Vikings top landing spots for Russell Wilson after release
Raiders, Patriots owners could have interest in Russell Wilson
Date: March 7
Source: The Athletic's Mike Sando
The Patriots and Raiders are seeking long-term starters at quarterback with each squad giving up on Jimmy Garoppolo and Mac Jones respectively. That could make each team a player in the Wilson sweepstakes.
Why? "Appealing directly to ownership could be easier after coaching changes," writes Sando.
Of course, that doesn't guarantee things will work out with either club. Wilson's fit with the Raiders could be particularly problematic, as Sando outlined in a March 5 column.
Wilson could fit with a Raiders team that wants to win with defense, a strong ground game and an efficient, explosive pass offense, but pairing him with new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy could raise questions. Getsy worked closely with former Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett when both were in Green Bay. Hackett’s negative experience with Wilson in Denver could inform Getsy’s thinking, which could affect how the Raiders proceed.
The Raiders and Patriots still both need quarterbacks, though, so Wilson can't yet be ruled out as an option.
