Vikings a betting favorite to land Russell Wilson
Could the quarterback carousel drop a former Super Bowl champion in Kevin O'Connell's lap this offseason?
According to sports gambling company BetOnline, the Vikings are the favorites to land soon-to-be-former Broncos QB Russell Wilson, at 5/1 odds. The Patriots come in at a close second with 6/1 odds with the Commanders and Raiders tied at 7/1 odds.
Minnesota's murky future at QB has been well documented this season after Kirk Cousins and the organization failed to agree to an extension last offseason, leaving the 35-year-old out of a contract at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Doubts about whether Cousins would be back in Minnesota were high going into the season because of his age, and a season-ending Achilles injury in October only further clouded the quarterback situation in Minnesota. However, the play at quarterback since Cousins' injury has only strengthened the idea of Cousins returning on a new deal in 2024.
With all the turmoil Minnesota has had at the most important position this season, it's not surprising to see them linked with potential veteran free-agent candidates.
"The Vikings are going to have a dozen different ways they could go at quarterback next year and Russell could be in the discussion," Purple Insider's Matthew Coller told Bring Me The Sports. "I would be surprised if they felt like he was the best fit considering where his career has gone since Seattle."
In his first year in Denver, Wilson struggled immensely, throwing for a career low 60.5% completion rate with 3,524 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The poor performance, after such a hefty price to acquire Wilson from Seattle, led to the firing of then-head coach Nathaniel Hackett.
This season Wilson has been made the scapegoat by Broncos as the team has struggled to a 7-8 record with just two games left. Wilson has complete 66.4% of his passes for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.
The Broncos are 25th in total offense and 16th in points per game this season.
"He put together a decent season with the Broncos but no longer appears to be a QB that can carry a team like he did with the Seahawks," Coller said.
Nov 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) drops back to pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High.
© Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
