Russell Wilson Cut By Broncos: Aaron Rodgers' Backup For Jets?
In quarterback news that may or may not affect the New York Jets, Wilson is being cut.
Russell, not Zach.
As the Jets continue shopping Zach after his failed tenure as a former second overall draft pick, the Broncos announced Monday they are released Russell after a short, unsuccessful stint in Denver.
Well, Jets owner Woody Johnson did say recently "We need a backup quarterback."
Wilson won a Super Bowl in Seattle and was supposed to bring championship hopes to Denver when it traded two first-round picks, two seconds, a fifth and players Drew Lock, Noah Fant and Shelby Harris for him two years ago. Instead, he went 11-19 in 30 starts.
In 2022 the Broncos signed him to a five-year, $264 million contract extension. They are releasing him now to avoid paying his $37 million salary in 2025, but are on the hook for his $39 million this season.
The New York Jets are in the quarterback market, but more for a young backup to 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers rather than a 35-year-old veteran who will likely seek a starting job in the league.
It was just a couple of weeks ago, however, that former Jets' general manager Mike Tannenbaum called it a "great fit" and suggested New York should sign Russell.
"If you're Russell Wilson … where else is he gonna go?" Tannenbaum said on ESPN's Get Up! last month. "So, if you have to sit for a year, why not sit behind one of the greatest of all time and then be a free agent again? Pay him $1 million and let him resurrect his career."
Russell is already being projected as a starting quarterback candidate for teams like the Falcons, Vikings, Steelers and Raiders. Plus, it's uncomfortable - if not unimaginable - to consider him reuniting with former Broncos' head coach and current New York offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett on the Jets.
During a dismal 2022, Russell is rumored to have had a major say in getting Hackett fired in Denver with a 4-11 record.
