Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos’ breakup is all but a certainty at this point, especially after the team’s decision to bench the veteran QB late in the season and their reported disagreement that spilled in the wake of that move. With that being said, Wilson has been linked with a number of teams already.
While there are huge expectations that Wilson won’t have a hard time finding a new team, some are actually expressing doubts if that will truly be the case.Ezoic
Russell Wilson Could Be Out of NFL After Denver Broncos Exit
Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson, Tim Hasselbeck
Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
One of those people who are concerned that Wilson could end up being unsigned once the Broncos release him is former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck.
Hasselbeck, who had a short NFL career playing for teams like the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals before becoming an analyst for ESPN, shared his fear that there’s no available landing spot for Wilson in the offseason. He cited Wilson’s age and declining play as major reasons why teams could hesitate in bringing him in, especially if the veteran quarterback seeks for a starting role.Ezoic
“I think there is a chance Russell Wilson is out of football. I’m not sure that there is definitely a landing spot for him. He’s older, I think it’s fair to say that his game has diminished. I think in terms of the leadership component that you typically want from a veteran quarterback that comes in, I think it’s fair to have questions about that,” Hasselbeck argued in a recent episode of ESPN’s “Get Up.”Ezoic
It’s definitely a valid concern, though. While Russell Wilson is still a capable quarterback, the fact is his play has severely deteriorated. Even the arrival of Sean Payton wasn’t able to help him revive the Broncos.
While it’s unfair to pin all the blame for the Broncos’ struggles in the past two years on Wilson, it’s the harsh reality of the NFL. When a team performs well, the QB is often elevated. But if not, like in Wilson’s case, the QB is also the first one to be blamed.
There’s Still Hope for Russell Wilson
Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson, Tim Hasselbeck
Dec 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) before the game against the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Despite Tim Hasselbeck’s concern, there remains a good possibility that Russell Wilson finds a new team.
As reported previously, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN dropped some encouraging update on Wilson’s job prospects once the Denver Broncos release him, saying: “I’ve talked to several teams who still believe that he’s a full-time starter. There’s a job for him somewhere.”
Wilson has also been linked to a number of teams in recent weeks, with the Pittsburgh Steelers mentioned to be the frontrunners to sign him.
It has yet to be seen which team will actually make a move for Wilson once his Broncos exit is official. For now, it might be too premature for Tim Hasselbeck and other fans to worry about his job prospects.
