Russell Wilson reportedly set to become Vikings’ quarterback next season following contract drama with the Broncos

Russell Wilson could be on the move in the new season after the Broncos benched the veteran quarterback.

Russell Wilson reportedly set to become Vikings’ quarterback next season following contract drama with the Broncos

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (4) following the win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High (Image via IMAGO)

Has the quarterback merry-go-round already started now that Russell Wilson is no longer the first choice for the Denver Broncos? While the 35-year-old’s future is still undecided in Boulder Country, odd makers are already working overtime to predict his next destination.

Several franchises in the NFL could use the services of a Super Bowl winner. The New York Giants, the Atlanta Falcons, the Chicago Bears, and the New England Patriots are a few places where fans may witness Wilson playing football in 2024.

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However, neither of these teams would be the frontrunners if the Broncos decided to part ways with the nine-time Pro Bowler right this instant. A surprising candidate in the shape of the Minnesota Vikings are the 5/1 favorites to sign Russell Wilson.

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Is the Minnesota Vikings the right fit for Russell Wilson?

Kevin O’Connell‘s Vikings have had their fair share of quarterback trouble this season. After longstanding starter Kirk Cousins picked up a season-ending injury, they brought in outside help. Joshua Dobbs was signed from Arizona, but after a couple of bright performances, he was benched following a stretch of three bad results.

Russell Wilson reportedly set to become Vikings' quarterback next season following contract drama with the Broncos
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (Image via CNN)

For the time being, veteran Nick Mullens is at the helm, having lost two and won one game. His only victory came in the 3-0 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Minnesota is second in the NFC North with 7-8 and sits 8th for a place in the NFC Wild Card.

They still have to play their divisional rivals, the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. Losing any of the two will confirm their exit from the playoff race. And along with it, the Vikings may see the back of Cousins, whose contract ends at the end of the 2023 season.

There hasn’t been much talk of an extension, even though the four-time Pro Bowler has shown interest in making a comeback. Owner Mark Wilf, on the other hand, said in an interview with Pro Football Talk that negotiations will be handled by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

We’ll leave that to [G.M.] Kwesi and coach O’Connell to work through those discussions. There’s always a conversation about that. But our real focus is 100 percent on 2023 and getting where we need to be and where I know we can be.
Wilf said

On top of that, they can’t franchise tag Cousins either because he has been tagged twice while playing for the Washington Commanders. If they go through with it, then the Vikings may have to pay Cousins salaries in the region of $50 million.

Now for the Russell Wilson part. The reason Sean Payton benched the former Seahawk is because of the mammoth salary he is taking home. While the timing of the announcement is questionable considering he was playing well and the Broncos could play in the playoffs after nine seasons.

Wilson signed a five-year, $245 million contract in 2022. In it, there’s a clause that allows him a $37 million guarantee if he avoids any injury and reports back to practice before the start of the next season. The Broncos would prefer to lay off Wilson before that happens.

On top of that, there will be a dead-cap hit of $85 million. If the Vikings do take the risk of giving Russell Wilson a contract, they may well have to cover that money as well. Or they could just go into the draft, trade a few picks, and sign Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.

As for Cousins, if he doesn’t return in 2024, then a return to Washington doesn’t sound too bad. Even though Sam Howell has performed better than many expected, the commanders are currently on the hunt for a new QB. Maybe they can think like the Jets and allow Howell to learn from one of the greatest passers the NFL has ever seen.

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