Broncos Cut Russell Wilson; Should Falcons Sign?

Russell Wilson will be cut by the Denver Broncos. Can the Atlanta Falcons sign him in free agency?

A potential quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons is one step closer to possibly joining the team.

The Denver Broncos announced today that they will be cutting Russell Wilson at the start of the new league year next week.

Dec 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) before the game against the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High.  / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

For a potentially quarterback-needy team like the Falcons, Wilson could join a free-agent class that includes other veteran quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, and Ryan Tannehill, which will give them a plethora of options to choose from after a season of instability under center.

After giving second-year signal-caller Desmond Ridder a full offseason of preparation as the starter, things haven't gone to plan in Atlanta. Ridder has thrown for 2,528 yards with 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while being benched twice throughout his 12 starts this season. 

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That opens the door for a veteran like Wilson to sign with the Falcons in free agency, and considering the state of the Falcons roster, which currently features a promising young core of playmakers offensively, could be attractive. 

However, the big question is whether or not Wilson would be an attractive option for the Falcons.

The blockbuster move from Seattle to Denver was underwhelming for the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback, who the Broncos brought in to do just that. Instead, the Broncos went 11-19 with Wilson as their starting quarterback. ... 

And while the failure to re-establish the Broncos as true Super Bowl contenders cannot all be placed on his shoulders, it is hard to ignore that Wilson didn't look like the same quarterback that he was in Seattle.

Although, after struggling mightily last season, completing just 60.5 percent of his passes for 3,524 yards with 16 touchdowns and 11 touchdowns, Wilson did manage to rebound under new coach Sean Payton. 

Despite a potentially contentious relationship with his new coach, Wilson threw for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions while completing 66.4 percent of his passes.

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Two years ago, the thought of adding Wilson would've likely been a no-brainer for the Falcons, who were looking to replace long-time franchise quarterback Matt Ryan. Yet now, following a failed stint in Denver, the thought of adding Wilson is certainly more convoluted. 

But if the Falcons aren't fans of the rookie quarterbacks, or don't have enough capital to trade up in the draft, perhaps signing Wilson is the route to go.