GettyAntonio Pierce with Tom Telesco.
Russell Wilson, the quarterback for the Denver Broncos, is among the most well-liked quarterbacks who might be available this offseason. Even though they only traded for him two seasons ago, they no longer like him.
There is a quarterback need for the Las Vegas Raiders, and there has been talk that Wilson may be a target this summer. Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, though, doesn’t think that will occur.
In a video posted on February 13, Schultz stated, “I would be really, really surprised, based on what I’ve been told, if it was with the Raiders.” “I know there have been national rumors, but if Russell Wilson signed with the Raiders, I would be shocked.”
Wilson’s two-year, $242 million contract deal with the Broncos, which he signed after the team traded for him, is ready to begin. They cannot trade him unless they are prepared to assume the majority of the contract.
Wilson might yet make a comeback to the Broncos, according to Schultz. They would incur the largest dead cap charge a franchise has ever incurred if they cut him, coming in at $85 million. If Wilson is released, there should be plenty of clubs interested in signing him, but it doesn’t appear that the Raiders will be one of them.
Why Wouldn’t Las Vegas Raiders Want Russell Wilson?
Formerly, Russell Wilson was one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. There was a great deal of excitement when the Broncos acquired him. He is a nine-time Pro Bowl player. But since joining the Broncos in 2022 after leaving the Seattle Seahawks, he hasn’t been the same player.
He hasn’t had a bad season with the Broncos. Throughout his two seasons with the organization, he has thrown 42 touchdowns to 19 interceptions. He is 11-19 as a starter, which is the issue. In the event that he didn’t earn $48.5 million year, the team could tolerate it. Wilson has been performing like a quarterback who isn’t worth quite that much.
Now, Wilson at $10 million a season could be more appealing to a team like the Raiders but it seems like head coach Antonio Pierce may prefer going with a younger option. Wilson is 35 and is only likely to get worse before he gets better. Things could change if the Raiders don’t like their chances of getting a good rookie quarterback in the draft but for now, Wilson to Las Vegas seems like a longshot.
Las Vegas Raiders Face Competition for QBs
The Broncos are another team with a quarterback need that will select ahead of the Raiders in the 2024 NFL Draft if Russell Wilson leaves town. Four quarterbacks might be chosen in this year’s draft before Las Vegas selects at No. 13.
There may be some changes because it’s still early in the offseason and quarterbacks are usually the most talked about positions at this time of year. In any case, in order to select one of the best quarterbacks, the Raiders will probably have to trade up in the first round.
Although Antonio Pierce seems prepared to take charge, it’s unclear if general manager Tom Telesco shares his views. There’s no guarantee the Raiders will find a long-term franchise quarterback this year, but they will eventually need one. It’s going to be a big talking point until they discover one.
