One of the biggest stories of the offseason is where Russell Wilson will play in 2024. The Denver Broncos, under head coach Sean Payton, have made it clear that Wilson is no longer their preferred starting quarterback. With one of the richest contracts in NFL history, though, it will be impossible to trade him.
That being said, there are a handful of quarterback-needy teams that will be interested in his services, once he is officially free of his contract in Denver, that is. Until he is released by Denver, no team really has any incentive to trade for him.Ezoic
Russell Wilson’s Contract Makes It Impossible for the Denver Broncos to Trade Him
Pittsburgh Steelers, Russell Wilson, Mike Tomlin
Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
As is the case with just about everything in the NFL, it all comes down to money. No team wants to trade for a 35-year old quarterback with five years and over $170 million owed to him (well, maybe Joe Douglas of the New York Jets).
And why should they? If the Broncos really want to move on from Wilson, they will release him. Sure, they will have an $85 million dead cap hit, but they could spread that out over two years by using a post-June 1 designation.
At that point, any team could sign Wilson to a more affordable deal. Perhaps even a one or two year deal at that. The length of Wilson’s contract is of concern, too. A team that is rebuilding may want Wilson to start for a year or two while they develop their next quarterback.
Russell Wilson’s Former Teammate Brandon Marshall Thinks He’ll End Up with the Atlanta Falcons
NFL Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons
Russell Wilson’s days as the Denver Broncos quarterback could be numbered. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Marshall, a six-time Pro Bowler and one-time First Team All-Pro wide receiver, ended his career with the Seattle Seahawks in 2018 while Wilson was still the quarterback there. On his podcast, I Am Athlete, he predicted that his former quarterback would end up playing for the Atlanta Falcons:
The Falcons certainly have nice weapons on offense, and could add even more with a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft. If they were sure they could land Wilson, they would not have to move any draft capital of Justin Fields, who has been linked to them in recent weeks.
