Insider Doubts Russell Wilson Will Land With Patriots After Broncos Move to Cut Him
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler says a Wilson-to-New England move is possible but unlikely, given the Patriots' rebuilding roster and the No. 3 pick in the draft.
By Ishani Kapalli ·
The Denver Broncos have informed quarterback Russell Wilson that they plan to release him, ESPN reported. The news immediately raised the question of where the veteran passer might play next, and whether the quarterback-needy New England Patriots could be a landing spot.
Wilson posted a message on social media thanking his teammates and the Denver community, and said he is excited about what comes next.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, New England is a possibility but not a likely one. "Much will depend on where New England is in its rebuild," Fowler wrote. He argued that Wilson will put a premium on winning, while the Patriots are not positioned to win big and need at least a year to replenish the roster.
Fowler also pointed to the draft. The Patriots hold the No. 3 overall pick, which they could use on a quarterback such as Daniels or North Carolina's Drake Maye. "So, not impossible, but not sure the fit is good for either side," he wrote.
Wilson, 35, spent two seasons in Denver after being traded from Seattle. He signed a five-year, $242.6 million contract not long after the trade. By cutting him, the Broncos will absorb $85 million in dead money, which NFL.com describes as the largest dead cap hit in league history.
The Patriots were one of five teams Fowler listed as potential fits in his story. He called Wilson a "pretty good fit" for the Raiders, who turned to rookie Aidan O'Connell after benching Jimmy Garoppolo last season. Adding Wilson would "make sense on paper" for the Steelers, Fowler said, though Pittsburgh may give Kenny Pickett another opportunity.
Interest from the Falcons and Vikings could depend on what Kirk Cousins decides to do.
As for New England, MassLive's Mark Daniels has reported that the plan is to select a quarterback at No. 3 and sign a veteran to start while the first-round pick sits out a year.
Last season, Wilson threw for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions, completing 66 percent of his passes. The Broncos finished 8-9 and placed second in the AFC West, a season that included a Christmas Eve loss to the Patriots.
Source: Boston.com
