Russell Wilson’s experience with the Denver Broncos could also be over.
A number of league sources confirmed Wednesday the Broncos will bench the quarterback for his or her closing two video games and begin Jarrett Stidham. Denver (7-8) hosts the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday and visits the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18. Wilson would be the No. 2 quarterback, a workforce supply stated.
Wilson expects to be cut in March, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. That will be simply two years after the Broncos traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks, three gamers and extra to Seattle for the quarterback, a nine-time Professional Bowler with the Seahawks.
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Wilson has thrown for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season, his first underneath head coach Sean Payton, however his contract is a matter. Wilson is assured $39 million for 2024. He has $37 million in harm ensures that grow to be totally assured if he’s nonetheless on the roster on the fifth day of the 2024 league 12 months that begins in March.
So what does this imply for Wilson in 2024? If the Broncos do lower him, who may need a necessity and curiosity? We recognized 4 groups — the Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots and Washington Commanders — that might doubtlessly be within the combine for Wilson, who turned 35 final month and is about to complete his twelfth season within the NFL.
The Athletic’s beat writers for these groups weighed in on why Wilson may be a match, and why he won’t.
Las Vegas Raiders
Why Wilson may be a match: The one manner this is able to make any sense for the Raiders is that if Wilson is launched. They should discover a technique to transfer on from their very own costly backup quarterback — Jimmy Garoppolo — this offseason, they’ll incur a large lifeless cash hit in consequence and received’t have any curiosity in taking up Wilson’s wage. With that being stated, Wilson has been strong this 12 months: He’s tenth in completion share, sixteenth in passing yards, tied for sixth in passing touchdowns and has thrown simply eight interceptions in 15 video games. He’s now not a Professional Bowl-level participant, however he’s nonetheless a starting-caliber quarterback. If he’s keen to signal for reasonable and the Raiders aren’t in a position to draft their quarterback of the long run, maybe signing him to compete with Aidan O’Connell for the beginning job may make sense.
Why he won’t: The Raiders actually, actually, actually need to draft their quarterback of the long run this offseason. After transferring on from Derek Carr and shortly doing the identical with Garoppolo, they should get off the ageing veteran quarterback treadmill and reset their timeline. O’Connell has achieved an OK job since taking up for Garoppolo contemplating the circumstances, however he doesn’t appear to be he must be the long-term possibility. The very best path for the Raiders to search out that participant is thru the draft, not including a declining veteran quarterback. — Tashan Reed, Raiders beat author
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Minnesota Vikings
Why Wilson may be a match: This looks like a Hail Mary of kinds, which, contemplating Wilson is the topic, appears becoming. The Vikings’ quarterback plans for 2024 are unsure, as Kirk Cousins’ contract voids on the conclusion of the season and he’s more likely to have many suitors. If Cousins indicators elsewhere, the Vikings may go after a high-end expertise within the draft. In that scenario, they’d possible signal a bridge quarterback to permit that teen to develop. If he’s launched, Wilson suits in that class alongside different mid- to lower-tier choices.
Why he won’t: Cousins returning would instantly finish this dialogue. However even when he departs, it’s truthful to wonder if Wilson’s asking worth would make sense. Garoppolo, for instance, signed a three-year, $72.5 million contract with the Raiders in March. Wilson is older, however he’s additionally extra completed. Say he wished a two-year, $40 million deal. The Vikings, who would possible draft a QB in Cousins’ absence, wouldn’t be more likely to pay that form of cash to a short-term reply. Moreover, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell values accuracy over the center of the sector and big-field imaginative and prescient in his QBs. Although Wilson has produced statistically this season, these qualities are in query, which is why the Broncos benched him within the first place. — Alec Lewis, Vikings beat author
New England Patriots
Why Wilson may be a match: The brief reply is that the Patriots want a quarterback in 2024 after the tip of the Mac Jones period. It’s not clear but who will likely be making the important thing choices for the workforce this offseason, however Invoice Belichick praised Wilson earlier than their matchup final weekend, received by the Patriots. If Belichick remains to be round, he may very well be excited by a quick-fix plan slightly than a rebuild, doubtlessly making Wilson an possibility in New England.
Why he won’t: If the Patriots find yourself with a top-two decide, there can be numerous causes to reap the benefits of that and have a quarterback on a rookie contract. It’s additionally price noting that Wilson is 35 and should not match the Patriots’ hopes of discovering a long-term quarterback this offseason, particularly if Belichick isn’t making the selections going ahead. — Chad Graff, Patriots beat author
Washington Commanders
Why Wilson may be a match: Jacoby Brissett on Sunday will grow to be Washington’s thirty sixth beginning quarterback since 1993. That unhappy story means all choices should be thought-about. For the appropriate worth — that means wage; can’t see Washington buying and selling picks — Wilson may very well be considered as a viable possibility ought to the franchise search a fast turnaround and a marquee participant.
Why he won’t: Additional proof that point is a flat circle: Coach Ron Rivera made a push to commerce for Wilson in 2022, however Wilson had zero curiosity in becoming a member of the Commanders’ circus underneath proprietor Dan Snyder. Now with Snyder out — and Rivera possible exiting after this season — would Russ need to prepare dinner within the nation’s capital? Even when he did, the Commanders are unlikely to have curiosity. New decision-makers will decide the depths of any rebuild, but it surely’s evident Washington’s holes transcend quarterback. If the Commanders keep the No. 3 decide within the draft, they may doubtlessly choose a extremely touted prospect. Brissett, a 2024 free agent, makes for a cleaner veteran to pair with a draft decide or Sam Howell. — Ben Standig
(Photograph: Justin Edmonds / Getty Photos)
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