The Chicago Bears’ looming QB conundrum is often framed as Justin Fields vs. an impressive field of draft prospects, but that isn’t necessarily the whole story.
If Chicago selects Caleb Williams or Drake Maye No. 1 or No. 2 overall in April, the assumption is that the Bears will trade Fields — preferably and likely for first-round value — and that the rookie will start immediately. But there are multiple scenarios in which the team acquires a veteran signal-caller either to mentor/back up its franchise QB or to serve as a bridge starter for a year or so until that player is ready to take over.
In those scenarios, Chicago could fall into the mix for a handful of pending free agents, such as Jacoby Brissett of the Washington Commanders, Joe Flacco of the Cleveland Browns or Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos.
On Thursday, December 28, the sportsbook BetOnline named the Bears among the favorites to land Wilson who is all but certain to seek a new home come the start of free agency in March.
JP Finlay of NBC Sports shared BetOnline’s projections via X, which list the Bears with 8-1 odds to sign Wilson. A handful of potentially QB-needy teams join Chicago at 8-1, while the Commanders and Las Vegas Raiders carry 7-1 odds and the Minnesota Vikings are the current betting favorites with odds coming in at 5-1.
Broncos Intend to Bench Russell Wilson, Cut Him in Offseason
Russell Wilson, Broncos
GettyQuarterback Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos talks with coaches during a timeout during an NFL game against the New England Patriots in December 2023.
Jeff Legwold of ESPN reported on Wednesday that the Broncos intend to bench Wilson in favor of backup QB Jarrett Stidham over the final two weeks of the season.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic added a report of her own detailing Denver’s long-held plans to part ways with Wilson this coming offseason.
Russell Wilson favored to land in Minnesota, per @betonline_ag. Pats and Commanders right behind. I don’t think new brass in Washington will
pursue Russ but you never know. pic.twitter.com/oHMdduxDJR— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 28, 2023
“Russell Wilson is expecting to be cut by the Denver Broncos in March, per league sources,” Russini wrote on X. “For almost two months, the quarterback has been starting knowing the organization was most likely going to move on [from him] after this season.”
Wilson, often one to at least attempt to control the messaging around himself and his career, took to X on Thursday with a message of his own.
God’s got me.
Looking forward to what’s next.— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) December 28, 2023
“God’s got me,” Wilson wrote. “Looking forward to what’s next.”
Russell Wilson Quietly Put Up Solid Numbers in 2023
Russell Wilson, Broncos
GettyQuarterback Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos warms up prior to an NFL game against the Detroit Lions in December 2023.
Wilson, a 9-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion while a member of the Seattle Seahawks, inked a five-year, $242.6 million deal with the Broncos ahead of the 2022 campaign.
Denver will owe the 35-year-old quarterback $85 million in dead money across the next two seasons, which should allow whatever team signs Wilson to do so at a reasonable number. That doesn’t mean he will be offering a massive discount, however, as Wilson has quietly put up solid numbers in 2023 despite the deafening criticism that has surrounded him.
Wilson has completed 66.4% of his pass attempts this season, gaining 3,070 yards and throwing for 26 touchdowns against 8 interceptions, per Pro Football Reference. He’s likely to seek a chance to start in 2024, which the Bears could offer him if the team decides to select a QB at the top of the draft.
The most likely circumstances Wilson will seek out involve situations where he can establish himself as the starter for years to come. However, if that type of scenario doesn’t present itself next spring, a one-year shot to rehabilitate his image should suffice.
