The Denver Broncos have yet to release Russell Wilson, but there’s widespread anticipation that they will, sparking discussions about his replacement. This speculation has also led to conjecture about Wilson’s future.
ESPN’s Seth Walder suggests that Wilson could replace Kirk Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler with the Minnesota Vikings. Cousins is poised to enter free agency once the new league year kicks off on March 13th.
Walder wrote on February 27th, “Cousins might return to Minnesota, but the Vikings might hesitate to offer him a long-term guaranteed contract. If Cousins is no longer in the picture, Wilson seems like the next best short-term option.” Walder also suggests that the Vikings might pursue multiple players to fill Cousins’ role, with acquiring Wilson and drafting a QB at No. 11 being the most logical approach.
Despite Wilson starting a hefty five-year, $242.6 million contract in 2024, Coach Sean Payton benched him last season. Walder predicts that the Broncos will proceed with their expected decision to move on from Wilson despite an $85 million cap hit.
Walder explains, “Even with Russell Wilson having $39 million guaranteed to him in 2024, it makes sense for Denver to cut him because if they don’t, they’ll fully guarantee his $37 million salary in 2025.”
Broncos GM George Paton spoke openly at the NFL Scouting Combine about Wilson’s situation, clarifying that there have been no trade talks with other teams regarding the nine-time Pro Bowler. He also downplayed the NFLPA’s involvement.
Paton stated, “I haven’t heard anything from any teams. So we’ll see. It hasn’t changed. We want to see the entire landscape … until we make an informed decision.”
Wilson has expressed his desire to stay with the Broncos and aims to bring more Super Bowls to Denver. Despite this, both Paton and Payton have shifted their focus towards finding their next QB1 rather than dwelling on Wilson’s status.