Why the Atlanta Falcons should pursue veteran QB Russell Wilson in the offseason
The Denver Broncos traded numerous players and first-round picks to land future Hall of Fame quarterback Russell Wilson just two years ago. Wilson went on to have a very sub-par season which resulted in the team looking for a head coach who could solve their problems.
They ended up trading another first-round pick for a head coach who decided he didn't want the quarterback the Broncos traded all those picks for. It takes a lot for me to outright call someone an idiot but Sean Payton is one—but I think we all already knew that.
Payton has decided to bench the veteran quarterback to save him from getting injured and give them the ability to move on from him in the offseason. All of this has happened when the Broncos could still technically make the playoffs.
Anyway, what is a stupid decision by the Broncos head coach could turn into the best thing that has ever happened to the Atlanta Falcons. Here are a few reasons why the Falcons should pursue Wilson this offseason.
1. Russell Wilson has a proven track record
The Atlanta Falcons have seen what bad quarterback play looks like these past two years. Starting Marcus Mariota, young Desmond Ridder, and Taylor Heinicke has not been fun.
Russell Wilson is better than all of them. He has been on some great teams during his career and has even won a Super Bowl. Inserting a Super Bowl champion quarterback into this depth chart could be terrifying for the rest of the league.
Wilson has the experience and knowledge of what it takes to get to the top of the summit. He could change this franchise around rather quickly.
2. Russell Wilson can unlock the potential of this offense
Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, and Tyler Allgeier are all going to be here next year. Each one of them will still be on their rookie contract. Plus Jonnu Smith and an elite offensive line will be back next year.
Bringing in Russell Wilson could finally unlock the potential of this talented offense. We are all sick and tired of seeing blank stats for London and Pitts at the end of games. Some of it is due to the play caller and some of it has to do with the bad quarterback play.
If Wilson can come in here and be the point guard of the offense then they can be elite. Wilson does not need to play 'hero ball' in this offense. Instead, he just needs to distribute the ball to the playmakers, which is something he has proven he can do.
3. Russell Wilson is the quick fix that the Falcons are looking for
We have seen how good this team can be at points this year. Their defense is one of the best in the NFL and their offense has all the talent you can ask for.
Place a good quarterback on this team and it isn't easy to see holes in the roster. The offensive line is really good, the skill players are as good as it gets, and the defense is one of the best. Plus their special teams can be elite as well—especially with Avery Williams back.
You do have to worry about the play calling if Arthur Smith remains in Atlanta but when you think about it, the Falcons would have the NFC South clinched right now if they cut out just one turnover in each of their losses.
Wilson has been able to take care of the football throughout his career. He could be the quick fix to the biggest problem the Atlanta Falcons have.