The Atlanta Falcons are going to be in the quarterback market again this offseason and there have been plenty of opinions offered up as to who could be that guy for Arthur Smith next season. There is the potential that they could draft their future man under center, but they could also acquire a veteran as an embattled head coach enters a critical season.
After news broke that Russell Wilson would be benched for the remainder of the 2023 season to avoid injury and subsequent contract issues, The Midday Show discussed whether the Falcons could target the disgruntled quarterback.
"I'd take Russ here," McMichael replied to Mike Johnson when asked if he would be interested in bringing Wilson to quarterback the offense. "When we talk about strictly football, yes."
If Arthur Smith is retained for 2024, there is a high probability that they target a veteran quarterback to come in. Regardless of the off-field jokes that have circulated in NFL circles, there isn't a more accomplished player that would be available. He has a Super Championship, another appearance, a 3:1 touchdown to interception ratio, and 43,653 passing yards over his 12 NFL seasons.
His play has also dramatically improved after a dreadful debut for the Broncos last season and he'll finish the season with 26 touchdowns to only eight interceptions.
An Arthur Smith offense paired with the weapons he would be afforded in Atlanta would make for an appetizing option for him. The potential for an electric offense is certainly there.
The hold-up is pretty clear: besides his age (35), Wilson is owed a LOT of money through 2028, but he's only guaranteed through 2024. He signed a five-year, $245 million extension upon his arrival in Denver. A pre-March 17th release would mean $85 million of dead cap in 2024 while a post-June 1st release means a $35.4 million hit in 2024 and a $49.6 million dead cap hit in 2025.
The Falcons will be in need of a quarterback and because of the money due, the Broncos could remain on the hook for the dead cap while he could be acquired for relatively cheap (a la the Matt Ryan deal in 2021).