Panthers HC Dave Canales discusses possibility of reuniting with Russell Wilson

The upcoming NFL Draft has a potentially elite trio of signal-callers up for grabs in 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. Teams in need of a quarterback will have an array of options via free agency and/or trade as well, including Wilson and perhaps Justin Fields, Kirk Cousins and others.

The Denver Broncos announced on Monday that Wilson will be released after the league year begins on March 13. It was then reported on Tuesday that the Broncos had given Wilson permission to "immediately begin speaking and meeting with" other teams.

The Panthers already have their franchise quarterback in Bryce Young and despite his major struggles as a rookie, appear committed to sticking with him for at least another season.

Veteran three-time Pro Bowler Andy Dalton signed a two-year deal with Carolina last winter and should remain in stow as Young's backup in 2024.

Canales joined the Seahawks in 2010 as an offensive quality control coach, two years before Wilson was drafted. He held that role through the 2012 campaign before serving as an assistant quarterbacks coach for two years, including during the franchise's Super Bowl-winning 2013 season.

The 42-year-old Canales was the team's wide receivers coach from 2015-17 and quarterbacks coach in 2018 and 2019, before he wrapped his tenure in Seattle as the passing game coordinator from 2020-2022. Canales served as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive coordinator in 2023.

Wilson made all nine of his Pro Bowls during his time with the Seahawks, leading the team to eight playoff appearances in addition.

The veteran signal-caller had a rough 2022 season in Denver before improving in 2023. Despite his rebound showing, Wilson was benched in the final two contests this past season.

Wilson recorded a 63.3 completion percentage for 6,594 passing yards, 42 touchdowns, 19 interceptions and a 90.9 passer rating while with the Broncos.