Russell Wilson reportedly being advised to sign with Broncos rival

Current Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson was on his way to visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers as of Friday morning ahead of reaching free agency next week, but it appears he could ultimately remain in the AFC West.

Cecil Lammey of the Denver Sports website reported early Friday morning that Wilson "is being advised to sign with the" Las Vegas Raiders. 2023 fourth-round draft pick Aidan O'Connell is currently atop the depth chart at the position for the Raiders, but it's widely thought Antonio Pierce wants an upgrade in his first offseason as the club's full-time head coach. 

"New Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce may have seen enough of Aidan O’Connell during his rookie season in 2023," Lammey explained. "O’Connell flashed a bit, but he’s perhaps more of a solid backup than he is a starter with upside."

Pierce made it known during the NFL scouting combine last week that he does not "want to put a Band-Aid" at quarterback this spring. Lammey mentioned that Wilson "does not consider himself a 'bridge' quarterback, and he wants his next team to commit to him." Lammey also noted that "money will not be an issue" for Wilson, as the 35-year-old could sign a contract worth around $1.21M for 2024 since Denver owes him $39M. 

Las Vegas recently has been linked with Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears as Chicago presumably prepares to make USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. The market for Fields reportedly is not "quite as robust" as originally thought, and the Raiders may be able to get him for as cheap as a third-round draft pick. Wilson, however, is set to hit the open market shortly after the new league year opens this coming Wednesday, so signing him would allow Pierce and company to hold onto their draft assets. 

According to ESPN stats, Wilson ended this past regular season 21st in the NFL among qualified players with a 50.7 adjusted QBR and eighth with a 98.0 passer rating. Across 15 games, he tossed 26 touchdown passes and eight interceptions.

New England Patriots beat writer Chris Mason wrote for a piece published Friday that he feels Wilson has lost some of his escapability "as his legs have started to go." Mason added that Wilson often was "holding the ball and getting crunched" during his two-season Denver tenure. 

Some believe the Raiders could move up in the 2024 draft order to select a signal-caller such as Jayden Daniels of the LSU Tigers. If Lammey is correct about Wilson not wanting to be a "bridge" option behind a rookie, such a plan could cause him to pick Pittsburgh over Las Vegas. Then again, perhaps the nine-time Pro Bowl selection could convince the Raiders to build around him through the next few years.