When the Denver Broncos decided to bench quarterback Russell Wilson, it signaled a likely departure from the team. With Wilson set to earn $37 million in 2025, the Broncos are expected to release him before his contract becomes fully guaranteed on March 17. This move could see Wilson seeking opportunities elsewhere in the league, potentially accepting the league minimum salary of $1.21 million.
If this scenario unfolds, the Broncos would still be responsible for the remaining balance of Wilson’s $39 million fully guaranteed compensation package for 2024. Mike Tannenbaum recently shared a bold prediction regarding Wilson’s future.
Russell Wilson to be Rodgers’ understudy?
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In a previous segment on “Get Up,” Tannenbaum floated the idea of Russell Wilson joining the New York Jets for the veteran minimum salary, serving as a backup to Aaron Rodgers. However, during a subsequent one-on-one interview with Kimberley Martin, Tannenbaum was presented with the opportunity to retract his statement.
#Broncos QB Russell Wilson going to NY to be Aaron Rodgers’ backup on the #Jets, ‘makes absolutely no sense’ @ByKimberleyA told @RealTannenbaum. ‘You’ve had some bangers with your hot takes but this was the wildest of them all.’ 🤣
Credit Mike Tannenbaum for not backing down:… pic.twitter.com/KE8x4jR5T2
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) February 25, 2024
“You’ve had some bangers with your hot takes but this was the wildest of them all,” she told him. But he stuck to his opinion. “So to me, if I’m Russell Wilson and I have to take a one-year deal to resurrect my career New York is a great place to sit for a year in a really, really good team that should have a chance to hopefully for them make some noise this year.”
Hot takes aside, what could be a realistic destination for the veteran QB?
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Falcons or Pats could be Wilson’s next destination
Atlanta could be the next chapter for Wilson. In the event that Justin Fields becomes a free agent, the franchise, currently in search of a new head coach post-Arthur Smith era, should strongly consider acquiring him. However, should the Falcons fail to secure Fields, they must explore alternative options. This is where Wilson comes into play, offering a skill set reminiscent of Atlanta’s current QB, Desmond Ridder. The Falcons are in dire need of a quarterback who can capitalize on downfield opportunities, a role that Wilson could fulfill admirably.
Meanwhile, New England finds itself entering a new era under the leadership of Jerod Mayo, succeeding the legendary Bill Belichick. While Wilson may not align perfectly with the recent playing style witnessed in New England, the uncertainty surrounding the OC and the scheme they will implement, leaves room for speculation. It’s evident that the era of Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe has run its course, and the Pats are poised to explore new options. With the potential to select a QB with the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft, Wilson emerges as a viable candidate, offering a bridge solution on a short-term basis.
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But for now, it’s a wait-and-watch scenario as Wilson considers his next move.