League executives name landing spots for Russell Wilson

League executives told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler the Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers are potential landing spots for the 35-year-old.

Fowler noted Minnesota will probably re-sign Kirk Cousins, and Tampa Bay could extend Baker Mayfield, so Atlanta seems like the best destination. The Falcons finished ninth in the league in rushing yards (127 YPG). Executives added Wilson needs a strong ground game to flourish.

"Still an instinctual thrower, still has arm talent to throw the ball downfield," a personnel evaluator told Fowler. "Still a good enough mover. Has always thrown a good deep ball. It's just if you ask him to throw the ball 35 times a game, he's probably going to struggle. That's just not who he is."

Broncos head coach Sean Payton recently claimed Wilson might return next season, but that's unlikely. Denver benched him in Week 17, even though he threw 26 TDs in 15 games. He also revealed the team threatened to bench him earlier in the year if he didn't defer an injury guarantee ($37M).

The Broncos could try to trade Wilson, but his five-year, $242.5M contract with $161M guaranteed will detract suitors. The next best option would be releasing him with a post-June 1 designation, which will incur $35.4M in dead cap and no cap savings or losses, per Over The Cap. 

Don't be surprised if Denver keeps Jarrett Stidham as a stopgap and takes a QB in the draft. Jordan Reid of ESPN predicted the Broncos will select Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy with the 12th overall pick.