The Russell Wilson era in Denver came to an unceremonious ending this week when the team announced it will release the veteran QB after two disappointing years at the helm. Wilson's availability has added another wrinkle to the NFL Draft and free agency betting markets, as any team in need can sign Wilson for a league-minimum salary — bypassing the draft capital it would take to land other available QBs in trades.
The early odds on Russell Wilson's next team list the Pittsburgh Steelers as the favorite, followed by the Las Vegas Raiders and Atlanta Falcons.
Let's take a look at the betting market for which team will sign Russell Wilson to see if there are any angles worth pursuing.
Current odds for Russell Wilson’s next team
Here are the latest odds to Russell Wilson’s next team at DraftKings Sportsbook:
- Pittsburgh Steelers, -200
- Las Vegas Raiders, +275
- Atlanta Falcons, +475
- New England Patriots, +800
- Minnesota Vikings, +950
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers, +1800
- Washington Commanders, +2000
- Tennessee Titans, +3000
- New York Giants, +3000
- Chicago Bears, +4000
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Russell Wilson next team odds best bets
Bettors may struggle with trying to understand how the Broncos thought trading for Russell Wilson would work out. Denver sent a cadre of picks and players to Seattle only for the Broncos to stumble through two duds of a season in a row, then release him and flush $85 million in dead money down the proverbial toilet.
The quarterback market is flush with options at this point in the offseason between veterans available in free agency and the NFL Draft approaching. But there are still some fits that make sense.
Here are three bets on Russell Wilson's next team worth considering:
Pittsburgh Steelers -200
The Steelers make a ton of sense as a next landing spot for Danger Russ. They nearly made the playoffs behind a surprising stretch run by Mason Rudolph — the only good QB play they had all year. George Pickens and Diontae Johnson ball out when they’re paired with a quarterback who plays competently. Wilson could fit the bill, and this destination seems most likely to oddsmakers.
New England Patriots +800
The new regime in New England would certainly like to find a legitimate quarterback of the future, but do they believe they can do so with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft? If not, a team with multiple needs on the roster could look to trade back and recoup numerous draft picks for No. 3.
Wilson could be a solid placeholder for new head coach Jerod Mayo, who has certainly seen enough of Mac Jones to determine that he isn't the future. The price tag is low enough that the Patriots could see what Wilson has left in the tank — surrounded by an influx of new talent thanks to the trade back.
Minnesota Vikings +950
Being close to the postseason is an important factor to focus on when it comes which teams will be interested in adding a a 35-year-old QB. That’s why bettors may want to shy away from choosing the Las Vegas Raiders (+275) or Atlanta Falcons (+475) on this prop bet.
The Vikings more closely resemble a team that can make and advance in the playoffs. A decent QB and all-world WR Justin Jefferson could have this team back in the playoffs in 2024. Kirk Cousins appears to be on his way out and would command a hefty extension that Minnesota does not appear to be interested in.
Why the Broncos released Russell Wilson after two seasons
John Fox was like a kid who pushed hard to get a specific present, received it, then decided he didn’t really want it after all. There are a number of factors involved with the spectacular failure of this mega-deal between the Seahawks and Broncos. Denver didn’t have the same level of talent they had when they brought in another veteran, star QB in Peyton Manning, and they gave up picks, a solid TE in Noah Fant and QB Drew Lock who has had fans wondering if present day Lock is a better QB than present day Russ.
Other factors like injuries to an already thin WR room poked holes in the 2022 and 2023 seasons alike, and Denver’s running game hasn’t been nearly as strong as it’s been in the eras where Denver was competitive. Novels have also been written about the comically bad head coaching job Nathaniel Hackett did while in that role.
It’s easy to suggest that a 35-year-old QB’s abilities are fading, but it’s also easy to see that the discord between Wilson and ownership, Wilson and his head coach, and the dearth of talent around him on that roster play huge factors in how well a QB performs.