NFL free agency hits its unofficial beginning as the franchise tag period gets underway.
Russell Wilson will be riding right out of Broncos country.
The Denver Broncos announced on Monday that they have informed the 35-year-old quarterback that he will be released after the league year begins on March 13.
"We spoke with Russell Wilson today to inform him of his release after the start of the league year," Broncos general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton said in a joint statement shared by the Broncos on social media. "On behalf of the Broncos, we thank Russell for his contributions and dedication to our team and community while wishing him the best as he continues his career."
Get top local stories in DFW delivered to you every morning. >Sign up for NBC DFW's News Headlines newsletter.
Wilson, who was benched for the final two games of the regular season in which Denver finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs, reportedly had long been expecting the Broncos to cut him in March.
The Broncos acquired Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks in the 2022 offseason in a trade that included two first-round picks and two seconds. They also signed the Super Bowl-winning QB to a five-year, $245 million extension ahead of his first season with the franchise.
But the stint was cut short for Wilson, who also on Monday posted on X to thank the Broncos and reiterate that he is "excited for what's next."
NFL
Once he's available as a free agent, these five teams could make sense for the nine-time Pro Bowler:
Washington Commanders
The Commanders haven't fielded a stable starting quarterback since the Kirk Cousins era ended in 2017. Sam Howell, 23, is young but hasn't shown enough flashes to be viewed as the long-term option, with 31-year-old Jacoby Brissett as his backup. The Commanders deployed a robust defense in 2022 but moved away some key pieces this season. Wilson, who grew up in Richmond, Va., could be an enticing add for a team who desperately needs a face.
Pittsburgh Steelers
It doesn't matter who the starting quarterback is for head coach Mike Tomlin, he'll always keep the Steelers in the hunt. Former 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett hasn't lived up to the billing, losing his starting job to Mason Rudolph, who was under center in the Steelers' postseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. The Pittsburgh defense is good enough to compete, especially in the turnover department, and their commitment to the run game is something Wilson benefits from as evident from his Seattle days. Tomlin hasn't worked with a big talent since Ben Roethlisberger. Could they look into Wilson?
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta was blessed to start Matt Ryan from 2008 to 2021, but the last two seasons haven't been kind to its quarterback situation. Second-year third-rounder Desmond Ridder and former Commander Taylor Heinicke are not good enough long-term options in a weak NFC South. The Falcons have more than enough talent to seize the division next season should they find a QB upgrade.
New York Giants
Wait, didn't the Giants just fork over a four-year, $160 million extension to Daniel Jones? Yes. But the 26-year-old, who currently is rehabbing from a torn ACL, can be designated a post-June 1 release in the coming offseason without New York losing any money against the 2024 cap. There were also rumors of the current front office poking around Wilson's potential arrival to the Big Apple prior to his initial trade, though the QB only wanted Denver at the time. Should a match be made between them in 2024, it would set up a scene of Wilson and New York Jets star Aaron Rodgers in the same city for their potential final chapters. The Giants would need to surround Wilson with much better receiving talent than they currently have, though.
New England Patriots
Like the Falcons, the Patriots haven't been the same since Tom Brady's departure for Tampa Bay in 2020. Mac Jones supplied fresh optimism in his rookie season, but he's steadily declined since and Bailey Zappe's appearances have been too inconsistent. With the Bill Belichick era now over, New England can go the young route again in the 2024 draft under new head coach Jerod Mayo, but Wilson could be another option on the table worth ruminating.
