In a surprising turn of events, it seems that the marriage between the Denver Broncos and Russell Wilson is heading towards a bitter end after less than two full seasons. The Broncos' decision to bench the veteran quarterback ahead of Week 17 has sent shockwaves through the football world, indicating that they are prepared to part ways with the former Seahawks star after the 2023 season.

While Wilson showcased improvement compared to his erratic debut season in Denver, his demotion is primarily driven by the team's desire to preserve an escape route. With the Broncos' playoff hopes dwindling after a loss to the Patriots in Week 16, the organization wants to avoid being on the hook for a significant payout if Wilson were to suffer an injury in the final weeks of 2023.

In essence, Wilson's release from the Broncos is now all but inevitable. This situation mirrors what occurred in the AFC West at the end of the 2022 season when the Raiders demoted Derek Carr in anticipation of an impending breakup. Due to Wilson's contract terms, Denver cannot save immediate salary-cap space by trading him before June 1, making an outright release the most likely outcome. Assuming this comes to pass and Wilson becomes a free agent, several logical suitors have emerged.

One potential destination for Wilson is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have seen Baker Mayfield excel beyond expectations as he guides the team towards a likely playoff appearance. However, reports suggest that both Mayfield and the Bucs are interested in a new deal. If Mayfield's camp decides to test the open market after a one-year trial run, the Buccaneers could be drawn to Wilson, especially considering their offensive coordinator, Dave Canales, oversaw Wilson's success with the Seahawks in 2020.

The Las Vegas Raiders could also emerge as a suitor for Wilson. After swinging and missing on acquiring a big-name veteran like Jimmy Garoppolo last offseason, the Raiders may be hesitant to pursue Wilson after witnessing his performances in the AFC West. However, their current backup quarterback, Aidan O'Connell, is unlikely to be their starter of the future, and their resurgence under interim coach Antonio Pierce might limit their ability to draft top quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, known for their old-school approach, could be enticed by Wilson's ability to operate a run-heavy offense. Head coach Mike Tomlin has stood by first-rounder Kenny Pickett through two turbulent seasons, but after a particularly messy 2023 campaign, a bigger-name swing under center could be on the horizon.

The New England Patriots, a team longing for proven quarterback production since the departure of Tom Brady in 2020, could be a match for Wilson. The tight-lipped regime of Bill Belichick would seemingly align well with Wilson's business-first approach. However, the Patriots may have a chance to secure one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 draft, which could be a deciding factor in pursuing Wilson.

Washington, under new ownership, faces uncertainty regarding their future plans. With Sam Howell struggling as the starter and now sidelined due to injury, the team has a definite need at quarterback. While drafting a quarterback early seems more likely, Wilson's ties to the area, having grown up in Virginia, could make Washington an intriguing option.

In a surprising twist, the New York Giants, who recently invested heavily in Daniel Jones, may be open to parting ways with their current quarterback. Jones regressed significantly amidst a battered supporting cast and suffered a torn ACL. Should Jones's rehab not go as planned, he could be released after the season, opening the door for a potential reunion between Wilson and the Giants' regime that reportedly showed interest in acquiring him before his trade to Denver.

Lastly, the Atlanta Falcons, who have struggled to find a sustainable quarterback since Matt Ryan's departure, will likely be in the market for a new signal-caller. While they may prioritize Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears due to his youth and upside, Wilson could be a viable alternative if they are unable to secure a top quarterback prospect in the 2024 draft. Wilson's success in a run-first attack aligns with the offensive philosophy that Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is implementing. Additionally, Atlanta plays in one of the most winnable divisions in the NFL, which could be attractive to Wilson.

As the Broncos prepare to sever ties with Russell Wilson, these potential suitors have emerged as logical destinations for the nine-time Pro Bowler. It remains to be seen where Wilson will ultimately land, but the quarterback carousel is bound to spin once again, captivating NFL fans eager to see where one of the league's most talented stars will continue his career.