Insider Would Be “Very Astonished” If Raiders Targeted the $242 million quarterback
Russell Wilson, the quarterback for the Denver Broncos, is among the most well-liked quarterbacks who might be available this offseason. Even though they only traded for him two seasons ago, they no longer like him.
There has been conjecture that Wilson could be a target for the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, as they have a need at quarterback. Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, though, doesn’t think that will occur.
In a video posted on February 13, Schultz stated, “I would be really, really surprised, based on what I’ve been told, if it was with the Raiders.” “I know there have been national rumors, but if Russell Wilson signed with the Raiders, I would be shocked.”
Wilson’s two-year, $242 million contract extension with the Broncos, which he signed after the team traded for him, is about to begin. They cannot trade him unless they are prepared to assume the majority of the contract.
Wilson might still make a comeback to the Broncos, according to Schultz. They would incur the largest dead cap hit a team has ever incurred if they cut him, which would come to $85 million. If Wilson is released, there should be plenty of teams interested in signing him, but it doesn’t appear that the Raiders will be one of them.
Why Would Russell Wilson Be Unwanted by the Las Vegas Raiders?
Formerly, Russell Wilson was one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. There was a great deal of excitement when the Broncos acquired him. He is a nine-time Pro Bowl player. But since joining the Broncos in 2022 after leaving the Seattle Seahawks, he hasn’t been the same player.
He hasn’t had a bad season with the Broncos. Within his two seasons with the team, he has thrown 42 touchdowns to 19 interceptions. He is 11-19 as a starter, which is the issue. In the event that he didn’t earn $48.5 million annually, the team could tolerate that. Wilson has been performing like a quarterback who isn’t worth nearly that much.
Las Vegas Raiders Must Compete for Quarterbacks
The Broncos are another team with a quarterback need that will select ahead of the Raiders in the 2024 NFL Draft if Russell Wilson leaves town. Four quarterbacks could be chosen in this year’s draft before Las Vegas selects at No. 13.
There may be some changes because it’s still early in the offseason and quarterbacks are usually the most talked about positions at this time of year. In any case, in order to select one of the best quarterbacks, the Raiders will probably have to trade up in the first round.
Although Wilson might be more desirable to a team like the Raiders at $10 million per season, head coach Antonio Pierce seems to favor selecting a younger player. Wilson is 35 years old, so it’s likely that he will deteriorate before improving. Wilson to Las Vegas seems unlikely right now, but things could change if the Raiders are unhappy with their chances of selecting a strong rookie quarterback in the draft.
