One of the front-runners to sign a quarterback who won the Super Bowl is said to be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Denver Broncos announced on March 13 that Russell Wilson will be released. Shortly after, Draft Kings Sportsbook announced their betting odds on Wilson’s future destination. The Buccaneers and Washington Commanders have the sixth-best odds of any club at +2000 to sign the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback, according to Draft Kings.
At -200, the Pittsburgh Steelers are the favorite, followed by the Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, and Minnesota Vikings.
Reasons the Buccaneers Might Go After Russell Wilson
Wilson would become one of the Buccaneers’ backup choices if they decide not to re-sign Baker Mayfield, so the odds make sense. Although they still haven’t come to an agreement on a new contract, Mayfield and the Buccaneers would like to run it back for another season. Both parties are putting a lot of effort into reaching an agreement, according to a report by Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
Russini stated on Wednesday, March 6, “When I last checked in with sources, Mayfield and the Bucs were working hard to strike a deal, especially after they locked up WR Mike Evans.”
According to a source, they’re “not close” to signing a new contract, despite the fact that both parties want to get something done to bring back Mayfield after he helped them to an unexpected division title and postseason spot.
According to Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds:
Reynolds claims that “the parties are still not close to agreeing on terms on a contract extension.” The Bucs and Mayfield’s camp were quite far away to start, but there has been some movement since serious negotiations started at the NFL Scouting Combine last week, according to many sources that Pewter Report has recently talked with. To what extent? About $20 million in different amounts.
Reynolds points out that the Mayfield camp started with $44 million annually, whereas the Buccaneers were proposing a deal more in the $25 million level.
Why Signing Russell Wilson Is Beneficial Financially
If the Bucs miss out on Mayfield, there are other quarterbacks available in free agency, but Wilson is one of the most interesting. Veterans like Ryan Tannehill and Kirk Cousins will also be available, but if Cousins decides not to re-sign with the Minnesota Vikings, he has been connected to the Atlanta Falcons on many occasions. In addition, Tannehill was benched in favor of rookie quarterback Will Levis, which resulted in an unproductive season (78.5 passer rating, lowest since rookie season).
Wilson, meanwhile, is coming off a statistically successful season in which he scored 29 touchdowns (three on the ground and 26 passing), had a 66.4% completion percentage, a 98.0 passer rating, and a 5.8% touchdown rate. Not to add that he oversaw four comebacks in the fourth quarter and drives that won games. He was the NFL leader in comebacks and tied for second in the league in game-winning drives.
In the NFL, Wilson’s passer rating came in at number eight and his touchdown rate came in third. In contrast, Wilson’s statistics are strikingly comparable to Mayfield’s; in the previous season, the quarterback for the Buccaneers recorded a 4.9% touchdown rate and a 94.6 passer rating.
The fact that Wilson is prepared to sign for the veteran’s minimum since the Broncos will owe him $39 million for the 2024 campaign is another significant factor. Wilson is expected to earn a $1.2 million contract with another team, as the veteran’s minimum. Wilson now has an advantage over other quarterbacks who are free agents as a result.
It goes without saying that the Bucs will try to re-sign Mayfield. However, if negotiations go down, it wouldn’t surprise me if Tampa Bay pursues Wilson.
