In a surprising move, the Denver Broncos announced on Monday that they would be releasing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson after a disappointing stint with the team. Since arriving in Denver, Wilson and the Broncos failed to find their groove, resulting in a lackluster record of 11-19 during his tenure as a starter.

The official release of Wilson will take place after March 13, allowing the Broncos to spread his significant cap hit over two years. Although Wilson struggled in 2022, he made a remarkable comeback in 2023, proving that he still possesses the skills necessary to be a top-tier quarterback, even at 35 years old.

Now a highly coveted free agent, Wilson's production on the field is not the only factor driving teams' interest. The offset language in his lucrative Broncos extension enables a potential signing team to acquire Wilson for the NFL veteran minimum, thus minimizing the impact on their salary cap.

Among the teams expected to pursue Wilson are the Las Vegas Raiders. Seeking to inject new life into their quarterback position, the Raiders find themselves in a tough division and in desperate need of a standout player under center. With the opportunity to face his former team, the Broncos, twice a year, the potential allure of joining the Raiders makes for an enticing package.

Another team that might be in the running for Wilson's services is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Uncertainty surrounds the Steelers' quarterback situation, as they seek to move in a new direction. While they may prefer to trade for someone like Justin Fields, Wilson offers a solid backup plan, providing stability for a playoff-caliber team aiming to strengthen their chances of success.

Recent rumors suggest that the Atlanta Falcons are aggressively pursuing the signing of Kirk Cousins, prioritizing the presence of a proven veteran quarterback over other options. Nevertheless, if the Falcons fail to secure Cousins, the possibility of bringing in Russell Wilson becomes a significant consideration. Given the relatively weak state of the NFC South, the Falcons' talented roster, apart from their quarterback position, could make for a compelling match.

Should the Falcons succeed in landing Cousins, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a precarious situation for their quarterback needs. While they may opt to address this through the draft, the team picking at No. 11 might face the challenge of selecting players who require further development. In this context, Wilson could serve as an ideal bridge quarterback, propelling the Vikings closer to their aspirations. Additionally, his offset language, which allows for a minimum signing, could greatly impact the team's cap situation, potentially affording them the opportunity to retain key players like Danielle Hunter, while also planning for Justin Jefferson's impending contract extension.

Lastly, the New England Patriots, despite indications of drafting a quarterback at No. 3, cannot be ruled out as a potential destination for Wilson. Considered a long shot, the Patriots' plans remain uncertain, leaving room for a scenario where Wilson joins the team as they evaluate their roster under new head coach Jerod Mayo. This could lead to a search for a long-term signal caller in the following year. With the prospect of pairing Wilson with promising wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., the Patriots could finally fill a void that has plagued their offense for years.

As the countdown to free agency begins, Wilson's release has set the stage for an intense bidding war among teams eager to secure his services. With a blend of talent, experience, and the potential financial benefits tied to his offset language, Wilson is poised to make a significant impact wherever he chooses to continue his illustrious career.