Russell Wilson‘s tiff with the Denver Broncos has been the talk of the town. With his release from the team, the quarterback is on the brim of starting a new chapter of his NFL career. Wilson thanked Denver, his teammates, and even the cafeteria workers on social media but interestingly left out Sean Payton and the management.
This will be the first time Wilson will have to brave free agency. After being signed by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012 as a rookie, the quarterback spent ten seasons there before being traded to Denver with a humongous contract. It is this contract that’s been the point of contention. With his impressive record with the Seahawks, Wilson should ideally be an enticing option for many teams, but a former Denver cornerback has expressed his doubts about the notion.
Russell Wilson’s “privileges” might become an issue
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
There is no doubt that Wilson is skilled as a player, but the last two seasons were full of ups and downs. While many teams could benefit from having an experienced player on their roster, certain intricacies come with acquiring Wilson. Former Broncos player Domonique Foxworth expressed his views about his impending trade on GetUp ESPN.
Foxworth feels that if a player is “great,” he might enjoy better perks. Wilson was one of those players when he was traded to Denver, but the QB might be in a tough spot going ahead. Foxworth further explained the criteria teams should consider if they’re planning to sign Wilson. He feels that the general managers should inquire if Wilson expects “special privileges” and if they deem his play fit for those quoted benefits.
“The equation going forward for Russ is the next team, does Russ expect, like, special privileges, and is his play gonna warrant those special privileges?.”
“He’s one of the 32 best quarterbacks alive right now. … But there are other things that come along with Russell Wilson on your team.”
—@Foxworth24 on Russell Wilson in free agency pic.twitter.com/RE0rSGlni2
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 7, 2024
Furthermore, the former CB said he would feel some “reservations” about signing Wilson if he expects a long-term position. But if the QB is ready to “prove himself,” even if in a temporary role, it would be a better idea. Lastly, Foxworth reaffirmed his faith in Wilson’s capabilities as a player, but warned against oversimplifying the situation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“But its not that simple as is he good enough to play because I think we all think he is one of the 32 best quarterbacks alive right now.” As Foxworth stated, there’s no denying the fact that Wilson will need to find a new home. But how will any team benefit from this?
Teams’ incentive for getting Wilson
With Denver finally allowing Wilson to enter the trade, they owe him $85 million in dead money for the next two seasons. The quarterback’s next salary amount would be deducted from the dead money sum, which props up an interesting proposition. Any team who wants to replenish their roster with a quarterback can acquire Wilson with the minimum veteran salary of $915,000. As for Wilson, his money is covered by the Broncos, which is more than what any contract would have gotten him this season. He gets a chance to redeem himself and climb back to his former glory, which can also be a clap back to his former team.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
With the trade dates inching closer, players and fans alike are waiting with bated breath for what the new season will entail. After a rough patch that lasted two seasons, Wilson will finally get a chance to start a new chapter of his NFL career and re-establish his former glory.