With the calendar turning to February, the future of quarterback Russell Wilson remains as cloudy as it was weeks ago at the conclusion of the Denver Broncos campaign. But where there's smoke, there's fire — and, right now, the embers originate from the Dirty South.
Appearing on Up & Adams on Thursday, former Seattle Seahawks legend Shaun Alexander furthered speculation that Wilson will play for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024.
"I've been hearing, maybe Atlanta. That's what I've been hearing, but I'm not sure," Alexander hedged, before explaining why the Falcons could be a good fit. "They've got a good tight end. They've got good receivers. The line's okay."
"Furthered," because Alexander is the second source to make this connection public. On Wednesday, ESPN's Michael Rothstein predicted that Wilson — whom Denver is expected to release by March 17 — will sign a three-year, $36 million contract with the Falcons to serve as the starter under new head coach Raheem Morris.
"The Falcons learned this season what below-average quarterback play can do to a franchise's playoff hopes," Rothstein wrote. "Owner Arthur Blank and CEO Rich McKay made it clear the plan is to win with this roster, and Wilson is the best option out there and has the most experience. The team around him would take pressure off Wilson, with playmakers Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Drake London and Kyle Pitts all set for big roles in 2024. And the contract terms also allow for a fairly painless separation if it doesn't work out. I considered a Fields trade, too, but here Atlanta retains its second-round pick and gets a quarterback upgrade on a decent deal for coach Raheem Morris."
A previous ESPN report also categorized the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers as "logical fits" for Wilson's services, with the Falcons and New England Patriots lurking as "sleepers" when NFL free agency begins next month.
Though too soon to definitively say where the 35-year-old will call home, it is and has been established that he won't hurt for interest if (when) the Broncos officially part ways.
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