NFL insider: Steelers, Patriots, Falcons could pursue Russell Wilson in free agency

After two tumultuous seasons in Denver, it’s beginning to look like the end of the Russell Wilson era with the Broncos. The team decided to bench him for the final two games — a move that came after threatening to do so earlier because of an injury clause in his contract.

Now, the expectation is Wilson will go into free agency after the Broncos pay the $37 million to cut him before the league year begins, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Once he hits the open market, the Pittsburgh Steelers could be among the suitors.

Fowler said there could be a market for Wilson as teams possibly look for a veteran quarterback. In addition to the Steelers, Fowler said teams such as the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots could also pursue Wilson in free agency.

“Russell Wilson, probably going to be a free agent after this season,” Fowler said Saturday on SportsCenter. “He’s got a balloon payment of $37 million from Denver, guaranteed money coming to him. So they’ll release him before the new league year. Should have a market. I’ve talked to teams who believe like Atlanta, Pittsburgh, New England, a lot of teams could use a good veteran who still is playing relatively well this year.”

What moving on from Russell Wilson could mean for the Broncos in the big picture

Wilson’s contract has been a big topic of conversation. His current deal, which he signed after the Seattle Seahawks traded him to Denver, is for five years and $242 million. Because the Broncos will wind up releasing Wilson, they’ll take a big salary cap hit as a result. According to Spotrac, that number would be about $50 million in 2025.

That means, as the team looks to replace Wilson, the front office will have to get creative. The Broncos currently have the No. 14 overall pick in the NFL Draft, meaning they’ll likely be too far to take one of the top quarterbacks on the board. One option could already be on the roster, though. Jarrett Stidham is still under contract in 2024, and Fowler said he could get some looks.

The Broncos could go outside the organization, though. However, Fowler said, some around the league have taken note of Wilson’s situation and how it publicly played out.

“Now, Denver, they’re gonna have huge salary cap issues next year as a result of this fallout,” Fowler said. “Could be $50-plus million in dead cap, depending on how things are prorated. And so, they’re going to be saddled next year. Jarrett Stidham, in fact, on a reasonable contract next year. So he can be the starter not only for these final two games, but next year, competing for that starting job.

“Then there’s one little wrinkle here. I’ve talked to several agents around the league who believe Denver, because of how they handled this Russell Wilson situation, threatening to bench him mid-season because of the money in the contract that they already did, that there could be some fallout. They might have to overpay for free agents because of the Sean Payton factor here. That’s another element to this, as well.”