The Denver Broncos and Russell Wilson partnership is no more, despite an official statement from the club yet to be released.
The team decided to bench the Super Bowl winner in their last two games of the season, prompting speculations that they will part ways after two seasons.
Wilson fanned the flame by posting what was interpreted as a farewell message on X.
"God's got me. Looking forward to what's next," he wrote.
Broncos coach Sean Payton did not flinch in explaining the significant change. He suggested that Wilson's benching is the quick fix to their season as they try to salvage their season and reach the playoffs.
"I understand all the speculation and everything that surrounds a move like that, and I can tell you we're desperately trying to win," he told reporters.
"Sure, in our game today there are economics and all those other things, but the No. 1 push behind this... is to get a spark offensively."
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The message was sent without the words that truly say what they mean. Moving is next for both parties.
Wilson can find a new team without a hitch. Can the Broncos get a better QB come 2024?
Here are some players they can target:
1. Kirk Cousins, Current team: Minnesota Vikings
Cousins' 2023 was cut short by a season-ending injury, and speculations about his future with his team for five years are in.
He is set to become a free agent in 2024, and although he will be 36 years old by then, he remains a formidable play-caller.
If he did not go down, he was on pace to top his 2022 records.
Of course, trading for Cousins is not without risk. Aside from age, his injury is a significant liability as he might not find his form back. That is something all trade scouts can monitor as he continues his rehab.
For now, Cousins is a good target for the Broncos. He can thrive in Payton's system, which puts a premium on timing and pre-designed plays.
2. Jameis Winston, Current team: New Orleans Saints
Winston is someone Payton is very familiar with. The latter is credited for the New Orleans Saints' growth as a quarterback.
Payton is bullish about the future of the 2019 Pro Bowl winner.
"I definitely think he's got a second act in him, he's a young player," he said of Winston last year.
"I mean, he came into our league. With every accolade you could have: a Heisman Trophy winner, the first pick of the draft is a tremendous teammate and worker."
Right now, Winston is an effective backup for Derek Carr.
His best game thus far was when he came off the bench in the loss against the Vikings in November. He entered the game with his team down 3-27.
The Saints made a comeback through the lead of Winston, who completed 13 of 25 passes for 122 yards. The critical plays were his passes that led to touchdowns by Chris Olave and A.T. Perry.
Payton knows how to use Winston, and things might look good between them. Winston can also be a backup if Jarrett Stidham's tenure proves effective in the Broncos' last two games.
3. Baker Mayfield, Current team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mayfield became quite a journeyman ever since leaving the Cleveland Browns in 2021.
He will become a free agent by February next year, and the Broncos should step in even if reports suggest that Mayfield and the Bucs are already reaching a new agreement. Anything can happen in the NFL. Just look at what happened to Wilson's massive contract.
Mayfield is having some revival this season with the Buccaneers. His current stats can compete with Patrick Mahomes's if efficiency is considered.
The 28-year-old and 2017 Heisman Trophy winner has thrown for 3,598 passing yards in the season with 26 passing touchdowns and just eight interceptions.
His Kansas City Chiefs counterpart threw 3,938 passing yards and tied with him in passing touchdowns. Mahomes has 14 interceptions, though.
Related article: Russell Wilson Contract: What Will Happen to Broncos QB's $200M+ Deal Amid Rumors of Release?
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