For 14 seasons, quarterback Russell Wilson found himself in the middle of the action. From winning the Super Bowl to making ten Pro Bowls, he understands various aspects of the game. Despite not being the biggest quarterback, Wilson managed to overcome adversity. Now, an analyst believes that he faces a different type of adversity.
Mike Florio Believes Russell Wilson’s Starting Career May Be Over
As teams head into the NFL draft, franchises look to round out their quarterback ranks. Veteran quarterbacks, especially those with a track record of success, would like to keep starting as long as possible. Wilson falls into that category.
After playing three games, giving way to rookie Jaxson Dart, Wilson went to the bench after the September 21 game, a 22-9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
While he did see action in three other contests, those contests involved just 9 passing attempts. Yesterday, the Chiefs traded for the New York Jets quarterback. Pro Football Talk host Mike Florio believes that move sealed Wilson’s fate.
“Before the Chiefs traded for former Jets quarterback Justin Fields, someone was throwing spaghetti on the question of whether Kansas City was eyeing Russell Wilson as Patrick Mahomes insurance.”
On December 14, the three-time Super Bowl winner tore his ACL in a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. That late in the season, the return timeline is towards the end of summer. Wilson, in Florio’s estimation, could’ve served as a bridge until Mahomes returned.
The Fields trade slams the metaphorical door on Wilson joining Andy Reid’s team. Florio broke down the landscape. “His days as a starting quarterback have ended.” For many quarterbacks, especially those who play into their late 30s, Florio’s thought becomes a way of life and a reality. In Denver, the team endured a dead cap hit to get rid of him.
Pittsburgh deactivated him for the first 6 games of the season, then dressed him for the next, but he never saw the field. From there, he helped the team reach a 10-3 record, only to lose the last four games of the regular season.
“The only teams with a current vacancy at the top of the depth chart are the Cardinals and the Steelers.”
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In Arizona, the franchise released Kyler Murray, who just signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, new head coach Mike McCarthy may choose between Rodgers, second-year passer Will Howard, or going to the draft. Wilson contributed to the Steelers’ playoff berth while earning a Pro Bowl nod. On the other hand, the bridge role he served in New York could be his entry into a new team.
“The Raiders possibly, maybe would be interested in a short-term bridge, if they aren’t comfortable with putting Fernando Mendoza on the field right away. Wilson may not be inclined to once again be the three-game starter before getting the tap. Then again, Wilson may not have many choices.”
Since 2021, Wilson’s play has deteriorated. According to the PFSN NFL QB Impact Rankings, Wilson’s rankings slipped from No. 15 in 2021 to No. 26 in 2024, before falling to No. 42 last year.
Wilson turns 38 on November 29. The Raiders said they prefer to let presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza sit and watch for the first few games. As Florio mentioned, Wilson’s choices continue to dwindle.
