The Denver Broncos blew out the Cincinnati Bengals on “Monday Night Football” in Week 4 to the point that it sparked fan outcry on social media. Bengals fans and some media members pleaded with the team to bench quarterback Jake Browning, perhaps for Russell Wilson.
Wilson is on a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the New York Giants. He would require a trade to acquire, barring an unforeseen release.
The Broncos may have tilted the scales in Wilson and the Giants’ favor for many reasons.
Russell Wilson, Giants Could Benefit From Broncos’ Win
GettyRussell Wilson #3 of the New York Giants throws against the Kansas City Chiefs.
New York benched Wilson, 36, in favor of rookie first-round draft pick Jaxson Dart for Week 4, and the ex-Broncos QB now finds himself as a backup for the second time in his career.
However, that could change soon enough.
“Cincinnati Bengals fans and NFL lovers in general have seen just about enough of Jake Browning after he struggled immensely yet again in a blowout loss to the Denver Broncos,” Bleacher Report’s Timothy Rapp wrote on September 29, listing Wilson among the potential available options.
“The Bengals have now lost both of Browning’s starts this season, and Monday night was particularly rough. That had fans around the NFL basically begging the team to consider trading for another option at the position.”
Browning is starting in place of Joe Burrow, who is on injured reserve until at least January.
“Bengals need to trade for Russell Wilson or get Derek Carr out of retirement,” the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin posted on X on September 29.
Wilson has completed 59.5% of his passes for 786 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions through three starts this season. The 10-time Pro Bowler has taken his benching in stride, though his future remains uncertain.
Russell Wilson Praised After Benching
GettyRussell Wilson #3 of the New York Giants looks on after turning the ball over on downs against the Washington Commanders.
Wilson’s benching led to Dart playing and beating the Broncos’ AFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, in Week 4. It would be fitting if the Broncos’ win over the Bengals inspired Cincy to trade for Wilson. The Giants would presumably obtain draft capital in the deal.
Dart praised Wilson for his handling of the situation after Sunday’s win.
“I obviously want to give a big shoutout to Russ,” Dart told reporters on September 28 after notching his first victory as the Giants’ QB1. “I know that this week probably wasn’t the easiest thing, but he handled it like a professional, and just was a mentor for me. So, obviously, just have a ton of respect for him. And it goes for Jameis [Winston] as well, just getting me prepared for this week.”
However, there remain questions about Wilson’s presence in the locker room, which has been viewed as disingenuous before.
Wilson’s future remains unclear, but his personality is not the only factor for the ex-Broncos star.
Russell Wilson Not Only Potential QB Trade Target
GettyRussell Wilson #3 of the New York Giants hands off the ball during the game against the Washington Commanders.
The first time Wilson officially became a backup was over the final two weeks of the 2023 season while still with the Broncos. That was a precursor to their decision to release Wilson, despite him not yet starting a five-year, $242 million contract.
The Broncos also incurred an $85 million dead cap hit, the largest in NFL history, which they spread over the 2024 ($53 million) and 2025 ($32 million).
Given his relative bargain contract, the Giants are not inclined to surrender Wilson for cheap.
“[Giants head coach Brian] Daboll broke the news face-to-face with both Wilson and Dart. Wilson was disappointed but was the ultimate professional,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini wrote on September 27. “Since signing with New York, the veteran has earned respect across the locker room for his energy and maturity as a leader. While many around the league assumed the Giants would cut him, the team chose to keep him on as the backup because he’s fit in so well in the QB room.”
“I want to be here.”
Wilson also faces the prospect that a team prefers Winston, who is younger but more turnover-prone. They could also eye Atlanta Falcons backup Kirk Cousins before Wilson. Cousins is a little older than Wilson, figures to be more expensive, and has a more concerning injury history.
For the Broncos, they are fortunate to have Bo Nix under center. They got a head start on the transition that the Giants are undergoing.
Broncos Help Fuel Russell Wilson Trade Push Amid Uncertain Future