Is Russell Wilson a Realistic Option for the Vikings This Offseason?
If the Vikings don't re-sign Kirk Cousins this offseason and aren't able to select one of the top passers in this year's draft, what are they going to do at quarterback? Could Russell Wilson — who doesn't seem to be a fit with Sean Payton in Denver — be an option?
In a new article on Wilson's future, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reports that league executives expect the former Super Bowl winner to be released by the Broncos this offseason. He was benched in Week 17 and the relationship with Payton seems to be headed towards a breakup. Because of his huge contract, a trade seems improbable, so Denver may choose to cut Wilson even though that means eating a ton of dead money over the next couple years.
When pondering some potential destinations for Wilson in 2024, the Vikings were the first team Fowler mentioned.
League sources see several logical fits for Wilson, who could thrive in an offense that schemes clearly defined throws off play-action and the running game.
Don't be surprised if Wilson, should he become a free agent, is intrigued by Minnesota, assuming Kirk Cousins doesn't re-sign with the Vikings (a big question). Kevin O'Connell comes from the Sean McVay passing tree that maximizes quarterback efficiency. Wilson would have plenty of weapons in a group that includes Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison.
It's noteworthy that Fowler phrases it as Wilson being intrigued by Minnesota and not the other way around. It makes a ton of sense that Wilson would be interested in playing under O'Connell on an offense featuring Jefferson, Hockenson, and Addison, not to mention stud tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill. That's a dream landing spot for any quarterback.
But from the Vikings' perspective, it just doesn't seem like an option that makes much sense. Wilson was far more productive and efficient in 2023 under Payton than he was in his disastrous first year in Denver with Nathaniel Hackett, but he still ranked 17th in adjusted net yards per attempt (ANY/A) and 22nd in QBR. During his Seahawks days, he thrived behind a strong running game and by creating plays outside of structure. The Vikings have an abysmal running game, a high-volume passing game, and an offense that is built for a QB like Cousins who can operate within structure.
The only way Wilson might make sense for the Vikings in a post-Cousins world is if he's open to taking a below-market deal. If he's willing to sign for something like $10 million as a bridge option, maybe the Vikings would have interest. But even then, the on-field fit in O'Connell's offense just doesn't appear to be there.
Could Russell Wilson end up with the Vikings in 2024? It seems highly unlikely.
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