At Veteran Minimum Money, Russell Wilson Could Be Intriguing to Vikings

It still doesn't seem particularly likely that Russell Wilson ends up with the Vikings this offseason, but it can't be ruled out entirely. He's expected to be released by the Broncos and potentially sign somewhere for as little as the veteran minimum, which could make him an intriguing dark horse option for Kevin O'Connell and Minnesota in the event that Kirk Cousins ends up leaving in free agency.

Here's the situation with Wilson and the Broncos: He'll almost certainly be released before March 17th, which is when his $37 million guarantee for 2025 would vest. He's already guaranteed $39 million for this season, but Denver is expected to designate him as a post-June 1 cut, eat some dead money over the next couple years, and move on after two disappointing seasons. Because any money he gets from a new team would offset and go back to the Broncos, he might sign somewhere — to be a starter — for just the minimum $1.21 million. From Wilson's perspective, he's already getting that $39 million, so why not take a minimum salary to try to resurrect his Hall of Fame candidacy somewhere new?

"The Vikings should compare what they could get from Wilson for one year at $1.21 million to what it would cost them to keep Kirk Cousins," wrote ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio recently.

Even after his struggles of the last two years, the 35-year-old Wilson should draw plenty of interest if all he's asking for is the minimum (which is still just speculation at this point). He's a nine-time Pro Bowler who at least put his horrific 2022 behind him last season with a decent '23 campaign. Depending on what happens with Cousins, teams like the Steelers, Raiders, and Falcons could all be in the mix for Wilson.

Don't count out the Vikings, either. Wilson, who has generally thrived outside of structure, may not be a perfect on-field fit for O'Connell's offense, but he still throws a pretty deep ball and has 204 NFL starts under his belt. Could KOC and the Vikings alter their offense a bit for Wilson? And how would Justin Jefferson feel about the move? It might be the most appealing destination for Wilson, considering who he'd get to throw to in Minnesota. Maybe the Vikings consider signing Wilson to a one-year deal and drafting a quarterback like J.J. McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr. to sit behind him this season.

Again, it's not the most likely outcome of the Vikings' upcoming quarterback decision, but it's a possibility that's worth monitoring.

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