Should Patriots Sign Russell Wilson?

With news of the Denver Broncos planning to release quarterback Russell Wilson at the start of the NFL year, should the quarterback-needy New England Patriots show interest?

Will the New England Patriots “let Russ cook” in the Gillette Stadium kitchen this season? 

Whether the scenario is likely or unlikely, New England potentially signing quarterback Russell Wilson became a possibility on Monday, when the Denver Broncos announced that they would be releasing the veteran on March 13, the start of the new NFL year. 

Unsurprisingly, the quarterback-needy Patriots are almost assured to be among the teams having “rumored” interest in his services.

The question is, should they?

Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

Despite his recent struggles, Wilson is still one of the most recognizable names at the position in the NFL. Selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round (No. 75 overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Wisconsin (by way of NC State) product played 10 seasons in the Emerald City. Wilson tied former Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning for the then-record for most passing touchdowns by a rookie (26) and was named NFL Rookie of the Year for his efforts. Wilson has been named to nine Pro Bowls, while earning a second-team All Pro selection in 2019. He also helped lead the Seahawks to two consecutive Super Bowl appearances — winning Super Bowl the Broncos, but losing Super Bowl XLIX the next year to the Patriots,  when Wilson was infamously intercepted at the goal line by Pats cornerback Malcolm Butler.

Wilson was traded to the Broncos in March 2022 in exchange for two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, quarterback Drew Lock, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, and tight end Noah Fant. Though he has fleetingly shown flashes of his former prowess during his tenure in Denver, the 35-year-old has largely struggled to find comfort in the Mile High City. In 30 games with the Broncos, Wilson has completed 63.3 percent of his passes for 6594 yards, 42 passing touchdowns and six rushing scores. Despite the Broncos contending for a playoff spot in 2023, Wilson’s public clash with Denver head coach Sean Payton was a prevailing story last season. It eventually reached its crescendo when the Broncos announced that Wilson would be benched for the final two games of the season to "preserve financial flexibility."

While the Patriots have yet to convey any interest in Wilson, their involvement in any contract talks should be tepid, at best. After starting 11 games last season, former starter Mac Jones was displaced by backup Bailey Zappe prior to the team’s Week 12 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Through his 11 games in 2023, the 25-year-old completed 224 passes for 2,120 yards, with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Though Zappe played with greater confidence and play-making ability, he statistically did not fare much better than Jones. The second-year starter completed 63 percent of his passes for 1,272 yards, six touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Foxboro Fit: Is Russell Wilson QB Solution For Patriots?

Accordingly, the Pats are unlikely to invest a significant portion of their expected $100.5 million in salary cap space in what may amount to be nothing more than a reclamation project in Wilson. 

Multiple outlets reported earlier last week at the NFL Scouting Combine that the Patriots intend to select a quarterback at No. 3 overall in April’s draft, sign a veteran in free agency, and part ways with Jones via trade or outright release.

---