The Denver Broncos ignited optimism when they traded Russell Wilson to the Seattle Seahawks two years ago. Anticipation was high for a possible championship run due to the quarterback’s Super Bowl-winning experience. Unfortunately, the dream faded with the Broncos’ underwhelming performance in the regular season.
Wilson was benched in the latter part of the season, and his contract saga was also going on. His contract situation got so entangled that even the NFLPA had to interfere. With his swirling trade rumors, analysts are suggesting several suitors for him.
Analyst assesses three potential landing spot for Russell Wilson
Hosts of the show First Things First Nick Wright and Chris Broussard discussed possible destinations for Russell Wilson. They zeroed in on three main choices: the Atlanta Falcons, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the New York Jets.
Nick Wright presented a strong argument for the Broncos QB potentially moving to the Atlanta Falcons, especially if the team is unable to acquire Justin Fields. Given the similarities in Wilson’s skill set and that of Falcons QB Desmond Ridder, the franchise might offer Wilson the chance to vie for the starting position.
Chris Broussard pointed out the Pittsburgh Steelers as a possible landing spot, particularly if they fail to secure Fields. With other quarterbacks on the roster like Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky, Wilson’s addition could bring some necessary competition. It can also enhance the team’s performance under the leadership of coach Mike Tomlin.
Who should sign Russell Wilson?@getnickwright: It's Justin Fields & Russ trying to be the QB for ATL. He's not guaranteed to be a starter.@Chris_Broussard: If PIT doesn't get Fields, that's the spot for him.
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) February 20, 2024
Nick: If the Jets were run by adults, they'd sign Russ as a backup. pic.twitter.com/6dHahvRfZt
Wright also suggested the New York Jets as a possible candidate for Wilson, provided that the team is led by capable individuals. In this situation, the quarterback would reconnect with his ex-Broncos head coach, now Jets offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett.
Nevertheless, the situation presents difficulties due to the speculated strained relationship between Wilson and Hackett while in Denver. Wilson is rumored to have played a significant part in Hackett’s dismissal from the Broncos after the 2022 season.
Russell Wilson to Jets idea echoed by former NFL GM
Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum recently stirred up the sports world with a bold suggestion regarding Russell Wilson. During a segment on ESPN’s morning show “Get Up,” he proposed the unconventional idea that the QB should sign with the Jets for a mere $1 million to serve as Aaron Rodgers’ backup.
“If you’re Russell Wilson … where else is he gonna go?” Tannenbaum said during Monday’s Get Up!. “So, if you have to sit for a year, why not sit behind one of the greatest of all time and then be a free agent again? Pay him $1 million and let him resurrect his career”, he said via SI.com.
.@RealTannenbaum wants to see Russell Wilson playing for the Jets 👀 pic.twitter.com/iMxbdgXHBy
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 19, 2024
The veteran referenced the Jets’ acquisition of Vinny Testaverde in 1998, a decision that paid off as Testaverde guided the team to the AFC title game. He proposed that Wilson could also gain from becoming a part of Gang Green at this point in his career.
However, Tannenbaum’s suggestion faced intense scrutiny from his fellow panelists. Co-host Dan Graziano’s response was quite animated, showing clear disbelief at Tannenbaum’s suggestion. Bart Scott, a former Jets player, even comically inspected Tannenbaum’s coffee mug, seemingly unsure if he was being serious.
