Tampa Bay Buccaneers Listed as 'Logical' Landing Spot for Broncos' Russell Wilson

Should the Buccaneers take a look at Russell Wilson in the offseason if the Broncos release him?

In the world of football, quarterbacks are often made scapegoats for teams that struggle. It makes sense, as quarterbacks are the nucleus of the offense. Still, the offensive line has to block and receivers have to catch the ball. If the run game isn't productive, passing the ball gets much harder.

As always, though, the quarterback is going to get much of the blame when a team is struggling. This has been the case for Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos this season.

Wilson, despite having a much better this season than the last, was benched as the Broncos are looking for an offensive spark. He'll sit the final two weeks of the regular season as the Broncos look to favor themselves in the salary cap department, essentially putting Russell's Denver tenure to an end.

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With this, CBS Sports listed seven "logical" landing spots for Wilson, should he be released by the Broncos. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers found themselves listed at No. 7 on the list.

"Baker Mayfield is exceeding expectations while guiding Tampa Bay to a likely playoff appearance, and both sides are reportedly interested in a new deal," CBS Sports wrote. "But what if Mayfield's camp is inclined to test the open market after settling for a one-year trial run last offseason?"

Mayfield has put up 3,598 passing yards and 26 passing touchdowns to his eight interceptions while completing 64.3 percent of his passes. Playing well, he could find himself a higher-paying opportunity in the new season.

Also, there's reason to believe Russell would be a good fit for the Buccaneers, given their options in the offseason, as CBS Sports alludes to.

"The Bucs won't be picking early in the first round of the 2024 draft due to their NFC South title bid, and their offensive coordinator, Dave Canales, oversaw a big year from Wilson with the 2020 Seahawks," CBS Sports continued.

If released, the Buccaneers could potentially get a revival-like season that they got from Mayfield. He was able to come to Tampa Bay and rebuild his image as an NFL quarterback, and Russell would be in a solid position to do the same, especially if the Buccaneers are able to retain Mike Evans.

Russell finished this season with 3,070 passing yards and 26 passing touchdowns with just eight interceptions while completing 66.4 percent of his passes. Statistically, Wilson had a solid season, though he'll be the scapegoat for the Broncos because of how his first season with the franchise went.

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