Betting odds updated on Russell Wilson's next NFL team
The Russell Wilson sweepstakes started Friday, as the quarterback began visiting potential teams. But where might this 35-year-old quarterback sign?
Well, as always, follow the money. Or, at least take a hint from where the money is going. Odds for the New York Giants took a big jump when word spread that Wilson had made a stop in the Meadowlands and was at the Newark Airport. But once Wilson photos hit social media, the ones showing him posing with fans on his way to Pittsburgh, then the Steelers odds bubbled up.
So yes, the Steelers are where the money is going as of this weekend.
First, let’s set up the Russell Wilson situation. He and the Broncos are divorcing after a troubled, two-year marriage in the Mile High City. Since Denver traded for Wilson, sending so much draft capital to the Seahawks, the Broncos changed owners and head coaches. They still owe Wilson $85 million, but they informed him earlier this week that they would release him once the new NFL business season starts this coming Wednesday.
But the Broncos did give Wilson permission to talk to other teams. And he got a head start this weekend.
So now we’ll see how many teams want to take a chance on the quarterback, gambling that he will be like the Russell Wilson of old instead of the guy trying to relocate his form.
Let us take a look at the odds, courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook.
Pittsburgh Steelers -250
The Steelers are the clear favorite. It might be wishful thinking by Pittsburgh fans because it is unclear whether the Steelers even want to switch out their starting quarterbacks. It is still Kenny Pickett, the former first-rounder who is heading into his third season.
But here’s the deal on Pickett. He struggled last year. You can blame injuries or then offensive coordinator Matt Canada. The Steelers did not start doing well until Mason Rudolph took control. Pittsburgh hired Arthur Smith, who had been the head coach of the Falcons, as their new offensive coordinator. He may want a new starter, so enter Russell Wilson as an option.
Las Vegas Raiders, +450
The Raiders also have a new full-time head coach and they are in need of a quarterback. Vegas has indicated they will be releasing Jimmy Garoppolo He never really fit with the Raiders last season.
Meanwhile, the Raiders and Broncos are big rivals. Would Russell Wilson want to be that petty and stick it to Denver?
Minnesota Vikings +450
Oddsmakers like the Vikings as much as the Raiders to land Wilson. But there has to be this caveat. Minnesota first needs to decide what it wants from Kirk Cousins. If you think Wilson is a hot name on the free agent market, so is Cousins. He would like to stay in Minnesota, but sides may not reach a deal.
New York Giants +500
Again, like several other candidates for Wilson, the Giants need to decide what to do with their current quarterback. New York gave Daniel Jones a four-year, $160 million contract last off-season. But Jones injured his neck, then tore his ACL last fall. The Giants may decide to address their quarterback issues in the NFL Draft. They select sixth.
Atlanta Falcons +700
The Falcons recognize their quarterback needs. And they have options. Atlanta drafts eighth, which means they could secure a quality quarterback next month. They also could trade for a quarterback like Justin Fields, a Georgia native who could be looking for a new job if the Bears decide to draft Caleb Williams. Or, the Falcons could seek out Cousins, whose wife has family in the Atlanta area. Finally, they could sign Russell Wilson.
New England Patriots +1000
The Patriots likely are moving on from Mac Jones. In fact, there is a growing buzz that he will be traded. New England then will decide whether to fulfill their quarterback needs in the draft or free agency. They choose at No. 3.
New England can secure one of the best quarterbacks in the draft, either a Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. Or they could decide to sign a veteran quarterback and use the draft choice to select someone like receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.