Russell Wilson Patriots' Best-Case Scenario?

'Twas the night before Christmas, and at Mile High,
The New England Patriots might've just found their guy.
With a loss to New England, their playoff chances zapped,
Denver's Russell Wilson era was decidedly capped.

After that, the Broncos benched Wilson to save a bit of money
Folks throughout football found that rather unfunny
Though Wilson's season has suddenly ceased,
He can contribute elsewhere upon his (presumed) release.

Over in Foxborough, that should raise such a clatter
Since Tom Brady left, its offense has never looked flatter.
Just imagine next season, as we've just implied...
"Merry Christmas to all, Pats Nation, let's ride!"

Rest assured, no further prose promoting pointless Patriots football is forthcoming. But in case that already proved repealing, let's get to the point: Russell Wilson might be the New England Patriots' best possible option under center for the 2024 season.

That, of course, hinges on Wilson being let out of his contract with the Denver Broncos. The resulting $85 million in dead money seems more appropriate for Halloween but St. Patrick's Day is the date to keep an eye on: that's when the $37 million that caused Mile High management to consider sabotaging its season "Producers"-style kicks in and the cap penalty somewhat loosens. A contract restructuring is possible, but what's transpired in The Rockies feels like too much bad blood to clean up.

The ultimate shame is that Wilson, whose career was left for dead after a disastrous Denver debut last season, temporarily extended his Bronco career by proving to be a gamechanger: while guiding a team with few, if any, consequential changes from the year prior to five consecutive wins, Wilson was responsible for nine total scores and a 109.5 passer rating.

Though he's set to turn 36 next November, Wilson will be one of the most valued commodities under center with the only other proven long-term veteran option available being Kirk Cousins. The market for a 36-year-old will be surprisingly expansive thanks to failed attempts at starhood (New England, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Washington), pricey veteran misfires (Las Vegas, New Orleans, NY Giants), or simply preparing for the incumbent to move on be it through free agency (Minnesota) or foreboding wariness (Carolina).

Amidst the chaos, the Patriots should pounce.

Secure the past, win the future.

Reverse psychology? Nope, that's simply New England Patriots football, where the eccentric becomes the victorious.

Wilson has already thrown one of the most famous passes in Patriots lore, the ill-fated interception to Malcolm Butler that ended the Seattle Seahawks' upset bid in Super Bowl XLIX. Nostalgics, however, would be far from the primary motive, even if Wilson's Foxborough entry would be most valued by the players of the Immaculate Grid game seeking low percentages in the New England/Denver squares.

Nothing would signify the dawn of a new era and pave the Patriot path forward better than acquiring Wilson. That might sound bizarre considering Wilson's own twilight is far closer than the dawn but it could at least present the fastest path back to the top, drawn out as the process is projected to be.

A plethora of practical tropes require little explanation or perhaps later dives at a further date: Wilson's resurgence has produced mathematical material modern Patriots yearn for and his mobile abilities (present to the tune of 618 yards and an average carry of 4.6 over the last two seasons) are necessary to survive in AFC East currently dominated by Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa's dual-threat antics.

But beyond the cliches lies a unique fold to the New England offseason: the pick.

An Open Letter to Russell Wilson from a Patriots Fan

It's the last thing a fanbase that has spent the prior two decades planning January weekends around guaranteed playoff dates wants to hear, but this offseason, fateful as it may be, won't plug every hole. What Patriots management, whether Bill Belichick is included or not, can control is the tempo. Wouldn't you know it, Wilson began to get his groove back once Denver introduced some no-huddle sets under Sean Payton's watch.

What this offseason can determine is whether the Patriots' premiere pick at next spring's draft (currently at No. 4) is either an anomaly or a morbid new normal. Yes, this draft is packed to the brim with franchise passer potential, but is it fair to put him behind the Patriots' offensive line in its current state? Should his top target be JuJu Smith-Schuster and a Kendrick Bourne working his way back from injury?

This offseason is about building a foundation, perhaps even a rough draft, of what the future should look like. With Wilson, a de facto ringer in tow, the Patriots can instead use the pick on a premier helper such as Joe Alt or Marvin Harrison Jr., whose formative years could be spent alongside one of the most accomplished quarterbacks of this generation. The incoming rookie will have enough new faces to work with, enough players trying to find the right combination and formula to win in the NFL.

Why not get someone who has done so before, one who was continuing to do so before financial fate intervened?

For the time being, however, it's hard not to see Wilson as New England's diamond in the rough. There are, of course, months in between the question and answer and the near future will no doubt provide reasons and queries against it.

If anyone would know anything about unexpected stoppages provided by the Patriots, after all ...