Insider shares if Patriots could sign Russell Wilson

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN explained in a piece published Monday night why it seems unlikely the New England Patriots will sign quarterback Russell Wilson.

"Wilson will prioritize winning, and the Patriots aren't ready to win big," Fowler wrote. "They need at least a year to replenish the roster."

Earlier Monday, the Broncos said they will release Wilson once the new league year begins next week.

Wilson will turn 36 on Nov. 29  and is no longer the player who earned nine Pro Bowl nods with the Seattle Seahawks from 2012 through the 2021 season. It makes sense for him to want an opportunity to show he can still be more than a temporary starter for a rebuilding club such as New England. 

Also on Monday evening, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk mentioned how Wilson could ultimately sign a one-year contract worth around $1.21M for 2024 since Denver owes him $39M. 

On Tuesday, Chad Graff of The Athletic reported the Patriots may "have to overpay for big-name players in free agency," in part because some in NFL circles view the club "as an organization in a transition period that will likely take two to three years to return to the playoffs." 

The Patriots finished 2023 with a 4-13 record, their worst finish since they went 5-11 in 2000. In the competitive AFC East, where two teams made the playoffs in 2023 (Buffalo and Miami), New England is years from contending again.

Fowler also pointed out that many expect the Patriots to spend the No. 3 pick of this year's draft on a quarterback such as Drake Maye of the North Carolina Tar Heels, Jayden Daniels of the LSU Tigers or J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines. New England could also potentially move down in the draft but still leave the first round with a rookie QB. 

"So, not impossible, but not sure the fit is good for either side," Fowler concluded about a potential Patriots-Wilson partnership. 

As recently as Monday, the Patriots were linked with veteran quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Joe Flacco. Both previously played under current New England offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, and either would be a good bridge option for a team that could want a rookie to sit and learn throughout his debut pro season. 

Of course, new Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo may want to see if a rookie can win the starting job over somebody such as Brissett or Flacco this summer. Starting over fresh with a new QB is the best option.