On December 27, it was reported that the Broncos are likely going to release nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson this offseason for financial purposes. Shortly thereafter, the odds on favorites to land him were revealed to be, surprisingly,
the Minnesota Vikings.
I’m here to tell you right now that the Vikings should
STAY AWAY from signing Wilson, for a couple of reasons.
First, it was rumored before the season started that 2023 would be the last season for Kirk Cousins with the Vikings. I love Kirk, but it’s time for the franchise to move on. I’m not just saying this because he’s going to be 36 and coming off a torn Achilles, but also because it’s time for the franchise to get younger at the position. By signing Wilson, the Vikings are signing a guy who is merely three months younger than Kirk, which would not make sense. If the franchise is going to get younger at QB, it would make more sense to bring in a guy who can serve as a one year bridge/mentor figure at QB and then draft a guy like Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix in the first round. Who knows, maybe that bridge QB is even Kirk.
Secondly, Wilson would not be a good fit in the team’s locker room. At this point in his career, Wilson’s off field endeavors have rendered him a celebrity QB. These types of QBs can be harder to have in the locker room because they can bring a lot of unwanted media attention. While Wilson would not be one, celebrity QBs are nearly impossible to have as backups. For an offense riddled with young players, the drama is not something that the unit needs.
Third, Wilson would not be a scheme fit, even if he wasn’t the declining player he’s become. Kevin O’Connell’s offense is centered around a pocket passer who can get the ball out quickly to receivers, which is why Kirk found great success once KOC arrived in Minnesota. Wilson is a dual-threat QB who often takes too many sacks due to wanting to extend plays with his feet. While Wilson often had subpar offensive lines in Seattle, this Broncos OL is ranked seventh by Pro Football Focus despite Wilson being sacked 45 times this season. This should tell you that Wilson is responsible for most of the sacks that he’s taken.
Lastly, signing Wilson would mean the offense would need to adjust to new cadences, audibles, and each other during the 2024 season. Outside of the second half of 2023, the Vikings have been blessed with six seasons of QB stability with Kirk. The unit has built up some great chemistry, and Russell would disrupt that.
For the reasons mentioned above, it does not make sense for the Vikings to bring in Russell Wilson. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should not even
THINK about making a move like this. If the team is going to bring in a veteran, just re-sign Kirk, who is beloved in the locker room and familiar with the coaching staff. He would also serve as a better mentor to a possible successor, should the Vikings draft one in 2024.
While this isn’t a move I would make, the Vikings are known for being a swan song destination for many QBs in the twilight of their careers. Some notable passers who have spent time in Minnesota during the end of their careers include Archie Manning, Jim McMahon, Warren Moon, Brett Favre, and Donovan McNabb.
