Potential landing spots for Russell Wilson after pending release from Broncos

It's the end of an error in Denver.

The Broncos announced on Monday that Russell Wilson will be released, putting an end to a disastrous two-year marriage between the organization and the Super Bowl XLVIII-winning quarterback.

In 2022, his run with the Broncos got off to a horrid start under head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who was out of his element not working alongside Aaron Rodgers. 

While Wilson's numbers improved in Year 2 under Sean Payton, it was obvious the former Saints head coach was never sold on him as his long-term starter.

However, Denver's trash will be another team's treasure during free agency. Here's a look at the five teams that could be an option for Wilson in 2024.

Atlanta Falcons

Could Wilson's future take him to Atlanta? The favorite to land Justin Fields, the Falcons should at least consider the idea of signing Wilson to a veteran minimum contract instead. A trade for Fields would require Atlanta to part with valuable draft capital whereas Wilson is the cheapest option available, allowing the organization to use its picks on other positions of need, including defensive line, wide receiver and cornerback.

Wilson might also have less of a learning curve in offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's system. He coached alongside Shane Waldron with the Rams in 2019 and 2020, and during the 2021 offseason, Wilson had a hand in Seattle hiring Waldron as its offensive coordinator.

Las Vegas Raiders

Wide receiver Davante Adams is returning, but he needs a quarterback to throw him the ball. Plus, what better revenge could Wilson get than signing for Denver's division rival and getting the chance to stick it to Payton twice this upcoming season?

Minnesota Vikings

While the Vikings would like to re-sign Kirk Cousins, Wilson makes a solid backup option should Cousins receive a bigger contract elsewhere. Justin Jefferson is the best wide receiver in football and is due for a lucrative contract extension. The Vikings must do everything possible to make him want to stay. Ensuring the team has a veteran, proven quarterback on the roster could only help. 

New England Patriots

The Patriots are reported to have interest in free agent quarterback Baker Mayfield, but Tampa's re-signing of wideout Mike Evans could open the door to his return to Tampa. If New England is serious about adding a veteran quarterback, then why not Wilson? The Patriots could still draft a quarterback at No. 3 and give him a redshirt year as a rookie, select wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., or trade the pick to a QB-needy team.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As noted above, Evans' re-signing could open the door for Mayfield's return to the Bucs. But if another team lures him away, Wilson would be a logical replacement. In Tampa, he'd be paired with Evans and Chris Godwin, giving Wilson his most talented pass-catchers since he threw to Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf in Seattle.