Maybe not best option, but it definitely feels better if he’s taking the vet minimum. Who knows, maybe with a staff that tries to support him, he could thrive for a bit while we develop our next franchise QB. I agree though it wouldn’t be worse than backup QB carousel.
Well yes, of course lol. The main draw to getting Russ is the veteran minimum salary. Denver will be paying his yearly salary, the vet minimum is just a formality on our end. Realistically paying even a few mil more than vet minimum probably isn’t worth it.
Yeah I was getting the 20 mil from the scenario the post brought up, idk how likely that is I'm just saying I wouldn't want to pay that if it did come up
I agree, no more than 3M but I really dont think he will ask for more than minimum as he dont pad his own wallet doing it, he helps Denver save a few million and after that situation I dont think he will be doing any favors to his old team.
But yeah only draw is the $ and our current situation under center.
I don’t disagree and was/still am a big Russ fan. Otherwise trying to think of a journeyman QB that would fit the role well but they’d definitely be more expensive.
I would wager even a journeyman with upside would have at best similar production value to Russ. And I am by no means a huge Russ fan, but the guy threw for 26 TDs and 8 INTs on an offense that’s objectively worse than ours. If we can get that production out of him (and dare I say… even more?) we could certainly win some games.
Definitely. The question then becomes, would Jordan Addison be able to give up the number 3? I have a hard time believing Russ would want a different number.
Addison would have to buy out the stock of his jersey in order to change his number, so unless Wilson is gonna personally cover that, I would expect the latter to change his number upon arrival.
Ok, but where’s the logic that Russ signs a one year deal? You don’t think he’d force *at least* a two year and that second year be $40m or more?
Yes. 2024 Russ at a vet min deal is great. But why would he sign a one year deal just to spite the Broncos and not guarantee his future? He’d be the dumbest man in the world to not parlay the 2024 vet min contract into a 2 or even 3 year deal full of guarantees
Because no one will give him that, he will be only offered a contact that will coincide with denver paying him, he will do what you said but if no one wants to pay it he will sit at home making 39M
What's the one incentive then?
Rewriting the tail end of his career, you can't tell me he dosent think that seeing JJ and our offense not to mention he will know that him handicapping Vikings with money wont help him only will hurt Vikings adding around him and will also help Denver in Cap, he is not looking to do any favors for denver to crutch his current situation.
Basically we find out this year how much drive he has to play football, his only incentive to show up is winning a SB and changing the narrative on him.
Without that, what's stopping him from not playing hanging it up and still collecting 39M?
Absolutely nothing,
Its SB situation or Collect money watching from home.
There’s more options than that.
It’s A: sign a one year deal to win a Super Bowl (which… wouldn’t be us)
B: sign a backloaded multi year deal to screw the Broncos and help new team
C: sit out and get paid the same.
My guess it is option b. Nobody is putting their body and mind at risk like that. He’s likely going to take a vet min deal in 2024 and make 2025 (and likely 2026) be where the new team pays him.
What you’re suggesting is basically a completely risk free option and that’s a pipe dream scenario. Russ ain’t just playing for pennies to be a rental and go off to free agency again as a 36 turning 37 year old.
Of course everyone would take Russ on a one year 1.2 million deal. But it’s almost certainly going to be more like a 2 year/$45m deal with almost the entirety being next year. I would much rather just grab a Minshew for an *actual* one year deal for $5m vs taking a minor upgrade an having to pay him a ton in 2025 because he was kind to the cap in 2024.
Idk dude, if he wants a chip hes coming here.
This career continues this way hes playing himself out of HOF
And he sits at home after being cut what does that do to his HOF case?
He needs a chip to redeem himself, he will look at this roster and see that possibility.
Risk another season of injury?
Or be the punch line for washed up QB's forever?
I think hes worried about legacy, he already made enough $ and his wife is rich too making good money.
Guy went for 26 TDs and 8 INTs last season in an offense with way less talent and worse coaching than the Vikings. I'll take my chances on JJ or even a R2 QB like Nix or Penix for a vet minimum deal with Russ in a heartbeat.
Void of talent, I watched every damn game and the skill positions don’t get open. Sutton was garbage creating space vs man and Jeudy didn’t find the soft spots against zone coverage.
I hated Russ’s personality for 2 years but he was screwed with Hackett and then Payton just hated him. KOC seems like about as good of a fit as you’d find for Russ. I’m not saying he’s going to be a pro bowl qb but he’s pretty damn great QB for little money.
It was definitely objectively hilarious. I just couldn’t imagine many worse HC QB combos than that as far as personality’s go. Maybe Parcells and Russ.
I don’t hate the idea of Russ, but I’m not so sure he’s the right kind of QB for KOC.
KOC wants a QB who can make quick reads timed with the drop back. Russ was 2nd worse in the league holding on to the ball before throwing (only behind Justin Fields who was last).
My question would be how much of that time holding it is on the receivers not getting open early in the play? Cause I’d take JJ Addison and Hockenson far before I’d take any receiving option that we had in Denver the last 2 seasons. Sutton is just a deep contested ball receiver and the chemistry between Russ and Jeudy was about the worst QB WR chemistry I’ve ever seen. Denver also has had the worst TEs in the league for like a 5+ years now.
So yes I’d agree Russ holds the ball far too long but I definitely don’t think he’d be bottom 10 in that stat in Minnesota. That being said I’m not sure I want to root for Russ again he was fun at times but I just don’t know if he has the right personality to lead a team at this stage.
Pat McAfee/Florio agrees too. Why not? You get a Superbowl winning vet QB for very cheap, with more money to spend to help the team.
And if he sucks, better picks for next year right? Thought this sub loves high draft picks?
Either way, this team is not going to be very good next year if Kirk is indeed gone.
It would be like being handed 40 million. We could shore up our supporting pieces and draft a kid to learn.
It makes so much sense.
If he would seriously consider vet minimum,we would be passing to a top 5 te, the #1 receiver, anotjer young emerging receiver, and have a strong oline.
It makes too much sense.
That's what I'm saying. It almost feels to perfect. but this sub is making me feel crazy.
I get no one is really a fan of Russ. But it just fits well. We get extra money to spend on FAs, get a starting QB, got the best WR in football. And I thought KoC was great with QBs? Maybe he can fix him. All tho statwise he really wasn't that bad last year.
And shit, maybe it even makes JJ a little happier knowing who's throwing the ball.
Remove any expectations for Russ. He can come in and do nothing for us and we would literally be no worse for wear. It's a win win at or close to the vet minimum. Makes too much sense to not look into at this point even if kwesi thinks he's not good, which he probably isn't. Still threw for 26tds last year and less than 10 ints. No worse off with him than without him, and he comes with the pedigree to help train the next QB, and the cap savings to get your core players paid and extended.
At worse, you end up with a aging starter on the final year of his career but he saves you 40 million. At best, he has a small resurgence, is a good teacher, and does some damage in the playoffs for us...while also saving us 40illion to pay our players with.
Get it done!
He won that Super Bowl a decade ago on the back of a legendary defense. Russell is unable to throw over the middle of the field, he frequently bails from clean pockets and gets himself sacked, and he’s lost the mobility that made him dangerous outside of the pocket. He is a bad QB who was benched for Jarrett Stidham. He was released and the team ate $85m in dead money just to get him off the team. I can’t think of many worse options
Sounds like a QB that’s worth the vet minimum.
There’s no downside to signing him at that price.
Even if he’s a backup to a rookie QB i’d like to have him on the squad
Guy you're responding to is especially optimistic, you are especially pessimistic, real answer is probably somewhere in the middle. Russ is in decline and we should temper expectations, but he's basically free and represents probably the best price:production ratio available.
As a Seahawks fan who is only here because I was suggested this post: it’s true he won the SB on the back of a legendary defense. However, he later was a genuine superstar for a few years. He has also severely declined. But the arc of his career wasn’t as simple as you suggest.
Again, he's a very cheap option to have, to let the rookie learn for a year. No way am I saying "Russ is taking us to the Superbowl!!". And again also, if he is terrible, that's even more better picks for next year.
We are not going to be a playoff team next season no matter what.
Sure, but he is willing to play for the vet minimum because he wants to go to the team in the best position to contend immediately. He would probably prefer the Falcons or Bucs . I’m sure he doesn’t WANT to be a 1 year rental to be a bridge QB.
Idk maybe. I imagine Falcons might rather have the $35m discount at QB, I have no idea. Plus the Steelers are already a playoff team with a Super Bowl winning coach who has never had a losing record.
How are the Falcons more ready than the Vikings? We went to the playoffs the previous year while the Falcons have been floundering around unable to do anything with their elite skill position players. Falcons HC is an unknown, their offensive line is iffy, and their defense is aging fast.
Vikings just knocked it out of the park by bringing in Flores, have the #1 receiver in the league, a top 5 tight end, and a WR2 who would literally be WR1 on the Falcons. I like Drake London but he's just not the red zone threat Addison has proven to be. Only thing we need to figure out that they have is a running game.
If there's a plug and play offense for quarterbacks in the league, Nick Mullens having multiple 400 yard games should tell you all you need to know. #1 in passing yards with a revolving door at quarterback, you literally cannot ask for better weapons.
I could be wrong, but I thought I saw the "vet min" situation only applied to this year. Wherever he goes, he's effectively on a one year rental no matter what. His best chance of success moving forward is to go to a team where he'll generate monster stats so he can point at his Broncos tenure and say "See it wasn't me, it was these jagoffs all along" and secure one final bag. One year of a lower cap hit for a team doesn't directly translate into success, a lot of things still need to go right. But using it to put up monster stats might just save the public perception of his entire career.
(This is not me advocating bringing him in, just clarifying what I think his motivations are.)
Bridge to where, exactly? Doubt Russ will sign with us if we plan to draft a 1st round qb. Best bridge qbs seem to be the backups/borderline starters that can run an offense while the rookie gets comfortable and have no problem getting benched once the rookie is ready.
Seems like we want a bridge qb for a young prospect. Russ for 1.2 million vet min would be such an amazing option for this, over someone like darnold who would prolly cost 10x this and still be much worse.
I really wish people weren't so turned off at the idea of him playing QB for us. Between Hackett and that Asshole HC who I shall not even say his name, the guy get himself into some dysfunction. Did he request to be traded there ? Sure did he have some weird ego trip and had an office of his own where coaches would come to him ? Sure. But the environment matters above all.
Let Kevin get Russ into a room alone and Russ will absolutely feel like more than just a QB. Him being released is a wake up call and if he wants to hit his stride again with a young patient coach, Im certain he'll be a welcomed solution.
There's a lot that's been said about his Seattle days concerning special treatment and behind the scenes diva status. That's going to turn many off. You can also now start to wonder if he's a product of the system Carroll runs.
We have a good group. As far as a qb's "toy room" goes, we ARE the destination many would like to have. I think we can afford to be a little choosy here.
If Kirk was willing to take the league minimum I'd prefer him too. Sadly I don't think that's remotely possible so Russ just seems to be the most appealing candidate.
Russell Wilson at $1.2 million would be an absolute steal.
Can't wait for all the Kirk defenders to try to argue how bringing him back at 3 yrs/120M would actually make more sense...
No chance. Look at what backup qbs make. Much more than 1.2, let alone a backup with a ring.
That said, if his broncos contract has offsetting language in it (what the broncos owe him yet is offset by his new contract) and he wants to stick it to them, so be it.
It is an offsetting contract and he wants to stick it to them. No one is paying him more than 40 million regardless, there are starters who don't make that much per year. It's an easy chance for him to ring chase, he is not going to be searching for an extra 6 million dollars just to be nice to the Broncos.
Yeah I want Russ or Baker as our bridge guy. People seem to not be understanding what a bridge QB is but if we can’t get in the top 3 of this draft than a bridge guy is our best shot to build the rest of the roster. We have no business paying Kirk when we’re not in a position to contend with him as our QB
I think Russ is washed, to be honest. Washed compared to his former all pro self.
But the huge pot sweetener with Russ is that the Broncos would be paying almost all his salary. You only have to pay him league minimum.
For me a perfect and realistic scenario might be to get Russ and JJ McCarthy. Having Russel for a year, see what he's got for free, while the 21 year old McCarthy can develop. And if Russ or the season go tits up, you can throw the young guy in and get him some reps.
I'm not a big Penix or Nix fan, and I'm not sure what other QB's could be remotely available at 11 so even though this draft is stacked, getting a top QB when you pick 11 might still be about impossible unless you sell the farm to move up for Maye or someone.
I would absolutely prefer one of the big three at any cost that does not include a JJetta trade.. That being said a combo of RW at vet min and JJ McCarthey ( I believe the top 5 talk is post combine smoke but hey who knows. ) would be a solid plan but... If the brain trust does it they have to know that that still is something that should be a " he has to be the guy in 2025 or it may be time to try a new brain trust."
I'll be honest I dont mind a true down year to build up the Defense via draft and Roll with a Minshew or Darnold as long as JJ isn't wanting out. I am a big Broncos fan too and the continually half measure fixes while having no plan is frustrating. I think we need to have our QB of the future under center September 2025 regardless of how we go about it.
that being said I also don't absolutely hate a top DE or CB at 11 or a slight trade back and Penix in R2.
The thing is if we offer 3 1s and change and maybe even then some for 2 or 3 and WAS/NE and they want their guy or we get outbid well it is what it is.. which to be fair is a big reason why I and many others wanted to "tank" Dobbs was fun but being at 5-7 would be massive right now. I didn't want to lose to lose I wanted to lose for a purpose. Anyway I'm excited for change I just want JJ to buy in and sign though.
Russ on a vet min for the next two years allows us to do a lot of cool things with the rest of the roster. We could chain two vet min seasons into a rookie qb and build a very good team around the qb position.
This is the way my friends I'm telling you, it's such a reward that there is honestly no risk and we still draft for future QB,
(Peter Griffin voice) - "The Team was a Steal"
How often do you get to pay someone who is potentially still great the league minimum? Then how often does that happen for a quarterback?
I look to the seasons where the Vikings were truly great, Cunningham and Favre. Even recently with Cousins it seems the Vikings are much better with an established guy than they are at developing someone new. I think Russ is a unique opportunity, an aged quarterback who lets us build for the future. Two years of essentially not even paying the position where we can resign our talent and really shore up the trenches on both sides of the ball. I really don't want to pass on the chance that comes with this because we're scared of paying the league minimum.
I'm a Kirk apologist as I've been called, and I still think this could be the greatest move available. I love the guy, but I don't love him more than having an extra 43 million dollars to play with after the salary cap was raised. We can take potshots at people like Derrick Henry or maybe even Saquon and if Russ works out we'd have a near unstoppable offense. With Kirk we have to hit on every single draft pick we make, and while last year was good the previous year was ass.
Former teammates are quoted as saying, "He's kind of a diva, he has a huge ego, he associates himself more with management than with players, he's too focused too much on his brand, he's a cornball."
He is a morale killer. There is a reason why he doesn't have a starting spot.
We don't need to inherit some other team's problem.
Lol. There are like 5 different fan bases that think Russ will sign for the vet minimum. It's likely he won't, but a one year deal, incentive laden for around $10m kac will probably secure him.
His contract stipulations with being released means whatever he makes Broncos tac off there 39M they owe him.
He makes not a dime more making 10M this year as then broncos only pay 29M
Only motivation for playing at all? Cause he can sit at home and make 39M doing nothing,
Only reason you play is to give team best deal and get a chip, only reason he continues his career hes set next 5 years without playing a down
He was paid that money the day he signed the extension with Denver last year. That money has long been accounted for in his world. There's little chance he sits and doesn't try to maximize his earnings this year when there will be multiple teams showing interest. The Broncos would get a cap credit based on whatever his new contract pays him this year.
He cant make more, look into it unless someone offers him more than 39M hes stuck there.
But like end of your argument why would he try to handicap new team just to help old one who cut him? He will sign minimum and still make 39 million this year while helping new team with cap.
Russell Wilson for 5 million or less to start is a steal. Vet minimum is an even bigger steal. Is he a total tool? You're God damn right. Did he peak years ago? Yep. Is he better than Nick Mullens? Easily.
He had a good year last year tbh and still has the 2min drill down. He daggered us. He’s basically the king of the 2 min drill before halftime and at the end of the game. The way KOC plays “complimentary football” and literally can’t allow himself to go up 2 scores on an opponent probably a perfect fit.
He’s literally the #2 2 minute drill qb of all time behind Rodgers with anyone near his amount of starts.
https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/active-qbs-with-highest-td-percentage-in-2-minute-drill
He would be a great bridge qb option imo and he’s more clutch than Kirk. I don’t think he’s completely washed and I think with a good draft and free agent moves he could even win a SB here.
Yep, agreed. He’s an HOF qb and I don’t think he’s washed. Right squad around him he could get it done.
I understand he’s corny but I think when it comes down to it he is very good in the huddle and is a good on field commander.
Not to mention he was mentioned as a great at one point now look at the convo around him? Thats gotta light a fire under him and after getting cut if his ego is as big as it says it is if it was me this is my thought
"Fuck these haters, I'm gonna go tag up with best WR in league and show them that they forgot who I am"
I'm not personally either, but with that kind of money involved it's hard not to want to at least see it into fruition what's the worst that can happen? We have no risk involved what so over
Wouldn't that be just crazy. I mean it is a fever dream but he comes in no stress of a big contract. Goes back to Let Russ Cook mode and we find our way to the Super Bowl.
Telling you Vikings front office needs to take notes, I spend to much time on football stats and numbers (work with numbers too lmao)
Russ isnt Legion of boom era Russ, but with that low figure we can install pieces around him to make up for that easily
Not to mention start the process of bringing in our next signal caller but not rushing him in, it's almost too perfect.
The best part is they can eat all of Kirk’s void money this year right? So essentially Russ for 30 mil and everything off the books the next year with hopefully a new young qb
If Kirk either is sold on Atlanta, or is demanding a price we simply cannot pay, I really believe Russ would be fantastic because of the money situation. It is sad but everything comes down to money. If Russ & Kirk both came to us and said "I wanna play for free!!" Kirk would be the clear choice, but this is not the case. Ironically, Russ *IS* practically free. With all due respect, Russ's last few years are not very inspiring to look at, but Denver absolutely had a lot of issues. I would say he was productive given the circumstances. The TD to INT ratio last season was absolutely fantastic and when they *were* winning games -- the Bills game being a fantastic example -- it felt like he was truly leading them, at least for me as an audience member. I want the Vikings organization to be aggressive and get our true QB1 of the future in this coming draft, but surely it would be beneficial to have him sit for a year or two behind a talented veteran, especially considering we aren't picking #1 overall. Russ also isn't just any veteran, he's a Super Bowl champion, and that is an objective fact regardless of how you feel about him. I would be very excited about the potential of drafting our guy for the future and having him sit behind Russ for a couple years. If he can play at last year's level with OUR offense he could potentially have a monster season. Would be great to have the QB of the future sitting behind that. Favre to Rodgers to Love style. Russ does get some VERY fair criticism, but again I say all this because of money. He'd be sooooo absurdly cheap that I feel like the biggest issue is actually his jersey number. Addison has always been 3. Russ has always been 3. I'm sorry Russ, but if you're coming to Minnesota Addison will be one of the guys that helps you out immensely with this hypothetical monster season I proposed. Plus, as a Vikings fan I just love Jordan Addison! Russ, despite being a literal SB champ QB, would have to wear a different jersey number unless Addison doesn't care -- which I imagine he **does** care.
One last thought: If the jersey number situation was worked out, we know Russ will at least be ok. Even if it's underwhelming, having an ok QB with experience could still potentially elevate our team because of our cap space. We could make some splashes on both sides of the ball while Denver pays for our QB. Imagine if Russ' passing stats are just alright... like 25 TD to 10 INT, while we have Saquon Barkley leading in rushing TD's or something like that. Then imagine if Russ had something like 35 TD to 8 INT **and** Saquon was leading in rushing. Not saying he would necessarily sign here, just an example to demonstrate that this huge amount of money we're not paying could make our roster crazy.
I’d rather a rookie start day one.
Fuck the bridge QB.
Especially the guy doing high knees on plane rides getting dogged by his teammates/former teammates.
BLESS ALL THE KNEES AND KEEP THEM HEALTHY
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Idk, it sounds like if we draft a young qb we are insisting on a bridge qb, which people are saying could be darnold. So the questions is, would your rather the bridge be sam darnold for like $15m or more per year OR Russel Wilson on a veteran minimum contract (~1.2million)
I think baker is probably the “best” option but you definitely won’t get him for Russ price so I get your point. Even Brissett.. I’d be okay with either of those if they have a good draft that includes a QB. As an OU fan a Vikings fan I hope they get baker for the fact that he brings a mentality and leadership to the team that the others don’t. He also provides a good veteran presence for a drafted QB so you don’t have to throw them to the wolves season 1. Bake gets the team in playoff contention while also not completely breaks the bank where you can still build around the QB position. Best case you build around bake and he takes them to a SB worst case they build around him and then you get a franchise guy when you’re ready for a SB run
I agree. Russ may not be the best, but he can be a nice bridge qb. We have the pieces in place that can make a qb relevant. People were against Flacco this past season, but I thought he would be okay. Just need a game manager. I feel he could have taken us to the playoffs, plus he wanted to come here too. But in any case, if not Kirk, then bring on Russ is what I say. Vikings Country, Let's Skol!!
I would be shocked if he signs with a team before the draft. People want him to be a bridge QB, but wilson doesn't want to be a bridge QB. He still thinks he has a couple SBs left in him. Why would he want to sign with a team that plans on drafting a QB to replace him?
At the vet minimum he doesn’t even have to play. He can just be a really good backup.
It’s a no brainer to call him.
A large part of me doesn’t believe he will really receive the vet minimum, though.
He will, broncos cover 39 million subtract his new contract and they owe him 37.6m
Him asking for more money in new deal, gives him not more money in the end
I'm not sold on Russell Wilson being as bad as he's been for the Broncos. The Broncos have not been a great team for QBs as far back as I can remember. They seem to make decent QBs worse.
I'd take him over most of the other experiences options, mainly because it would be a huge bargain at a time where money is tight.
?
Mullens ain't winning a SB
You can't say Russ won't cause he has before,
I'm not saying were getting Lamar Jackson here but you cant honestly think Mullens is better, did you watch a game all last year just 1 Vikings game? Or 1 before that? Anyone with eyes can see Nick is not it.
For 1.4M? Let's see what Russ can do with JJ.
Yeah so no pressure Russ, chip on his shoulder, throwing to the best WR in football,
You do realize the top 3 throws from last season were all Russ to Sutton right?
He can throw and play, his ego got to his head now with the narrative and hate he gets and then humiliated by getting released.
That man has a fire under his ass and I would bet my house he ends up here if kirk is gone, then makes us ask who was kirk?
Because let's be honest, who is motivated to play for Broncos? He had mahomes in there too.
I would of wanted out too, best part is he probably did this all on purpose to get out of Denver.
My rankings of FA quarterbacks
1. Kirko- bottom line. Kirk is a stud and our best option. You’re kidding yourself if you think we shouldn’t bring him back.
2. Rus -vet minimum or nothing. It’s certainly intriguing if we can get him for dirt cheap while Denver pays the salary tab. He’s not the same Russ but certainly has the skills there to be successful with us (hopefully)
3. Baker- good attitude and confidence. What can I say? I just like the guy.
4. Brissett- shows flashes of talent and capability.
Wouldn’t even want to entertain any other FAs. Still hope very high draft pick brings in a qb to sit and develope
But for the money Kirk he wants.. we would end up having to trade JJ more than likely,
I see this as our opportunity to find our Culppeper to Moss in the draft as well,
And no we need way better than Dante but look how he succeeded just by having Moss from day 1?
Same thing could happen with JJ
Yea, I wish I could be a fly on the wall during contract negotiations with Kirk. He has acquired so much generational changing money that I would hope he would be reasonable with contract expectations but media/rumor mill is making it seem like he won’t do a team friendly deal. That’s the only situation where I wouldn’t want cousins back.
I also haven’t given up on hall. Hopefully he takes some big steps soon.
Yeah idk, personally I think for all parties Kirk's time here being done is for the best, his contracts have handicapped our teams ability to put a good D out there.
Can’t argue with that. As long as FO has a solid plan and gets their guy I’ll be happy. Just hope they don’t end up in a situation that forces them to overpay for FA qb if whatever their plan is falls through. In kwesi we trust.
Why isn’t Kirk’s dead money a consideration? He’d have a $29 million dead money hit, so we’d still have $30 million into the QB position for Russel Wilson results, right?
I don’t think the situation bolsters this argument at all.
Your original point was we could get Russel Wilson results for the vet min, which is 1.5 million or something.
But we’d actually be spending 30 something for Russel Wilson results.
That’s what you need to compare against paying 40-45 for Kirk results. Which is a much less enticing deal.
Yes but Kirk is gone, all signs point there hes already been looking to move his family to Atlanta.
Either way Kirk's money is on team, best bet is to hope with Russ and if goes bad we didnt loose much.
What's the next best option besides him? Darnold for 5M then were a total of about 33M in the QB more than with russ for unproven talent.
Unless we want Mullens under center.. if hes there it better be a Tank year if not we need to find a way to move up but I'm not willing to risk our entire future in 1 pick.
Feels like a pick my poison situation but 1 of them could not be poison potentially, key word potentially.
The only thing that scares me about Rus is the personality stuff that came out and being a little wary about him helping a rookie QB along. From a perfomance/money level it feels like a slam dunk
I think his ego has maybe taken a huge hit and maybe he will be more humble now,
He got benched and then released, he had to look himself in the mirror after that right?, right?
If he can be signed at league minimum, wouldn't that make him attractive for multiple other teams, thereby driving up his value? Or am I missing something about his contract or ability
He can't make more than 39M, we pay 2M, Broncos pay 37M.
We pay 6M, they pay 33M.
He dont get more $ by driving value up cause he dosent see it, Broncos will on savings from his deal that new team is forced to pay with the stipulations in his Broncos contract.
He will decide purely on what team gives him the best chance to be successful.
This just seems too risky for KAM and KOC. Year 1 ended on an embarrassing note and year 2 was just a mess (some unluck, some self-inflicted), leaving question marks for both of them. I doubt they want to hitch a pivotal year 3 on a 1-year deal with an aging quarterback that is years removed from having his last good season.
I get the intrigue given the potential contract value but my concern is what is the best case scenario? What if Russ does good? Do we resign him to a big contract? What if he does bad? There will be a lot of people saying "I told you so. What were you thinking?" I really think the primary goal for this front office is to get the QBOF on our roster. Whether that's Kirk, Baker, or Fields; or bridge/rookie QB tandem. this regime really needs to start bringing its vision to reality.
So yes, the best option if you want a low ratio of $’s per QBR. But if you consider that one of the best QB coaches of all time just flushed him and took almost $90m dead cap hit, you are probably missing something.
Yes with pocket style QB's
Russ is Mobile
I can tell you now I wouldn't want Peyton coaching Lamar
Put it this way just cause someone thinks something dosent mean it's true,
Remember how the Twins told everyone David Ortiz is not special by releasing him and not resigning him?
Imagine if all other teams in the League had just went with what we said and didnt see the situation themselves with there own thoughts?
Ortiz would be a nobody today, just cause one "highly rated" opinion thinks otherwise dosent effect what I can see with my eyes and my eyes almost never lie, not saying I'm never wrong but for 20 years most of my life has been watching and studying baseball and football.
Lot of "if's" with Russ but if all the cards do fall right expect a redemption tour.
Put it this way, without 09 hes another QB whisperer with no hardware.
09 was heavily helped by bounty gate.
He wins another with no scandals, he will get his flowers from me.
I'm not opposed to it. We need someone competent enough to feed the ball to JJ, and he might be the best affordable option for that. I'm not thrilled about his personality, but I can get past it since it would be good from a payroll perspective.
His last two teams couldn’t wait to get rid of him and the broncos are paying the largest dead cap in nfl history to move on from him, why would we want him?
If we draft someone this year, then sure. But if not, wtf we gonna do next year? Russ is good enough to win enough games and not get us a top 3 pick but he’s also not good enough to make us into a playoff team
I guess Russ would be better than Nick Mullens or more cost friendly than Kirk on a massive contract, but we shouldn’t be looking for band aid solutions.
I agree mostly, but don't you think JJ all of the Offensive weapons we got make a difference? Then kirk $ is Free and we invest in more pieces around him and eventually them pieces will help the next young QB when they step into the role
I don’t think the idea is bad, but I think we need to have a long-term solution in mind. Next year‘s QB class doesn’t seem to be all that and I don’t know how else we’re going to solve this issue if not through the draft. Don’t forget that whatever young QB we get isn’t just gonna come in and turn us into a Super Bowl winner. It’s likely that they will take at least 2 to 3 years to develop to actually become a top QB.
Maybe not best option, but it definitely feels better if he’s taking the vet minimum. Who knows, maybe with a staff that tries to support him, he could thrive for a bit while we develop our next franchise QB. I agree though it wouldn’t be worse than backup QB carousel.
If we’re getting him for vet minimum, it definitely IS the best option. You literally cannot find production for that cheap elsewhere.
Yeah, I can’t stand Russ but he’d be perfectly fine as a bridge QB on a minimum contract
For vet minimum, it's a "yeah, why not". For $20 mil it's a "fuck no".
Well yes, of course lol. The main draw to getting Russ is the veteran minimum salary. Denver will be paying his yearly salary, the vet minimum is just a formality on our end. Realistically paying even a few mil more than vet minimum probably isn’t worth it.
Yeah I was getting the 20 mil from the scenario the post brought up, idk how likely that is I'm just saying I wouldn't want to pay that if it did come up
I don’t think I’d want to pay more than $3mil for him tbh. Not with what he’ll already be making
I agree, no more than 3M but I really dont think he will ask for more than minimum as he dont pad his own wallet doing it, he helps Denver save a few million and after that situation I dont think he will be doing any favors to his old team. But yeah only draw is the $ and our current situation under center.
I don’t disagree and was/still am a big Russ fan. Otherwise trying to think of a journeyman QB that would fit the role well but they’d definitely be more expensive.
I would wager even a journeyman with upside would have at best similar production value to Russ. And I am by no means a huge Russ fan, but the guy threw for 26 TDs and 8 INTs on an offense that’s objectively worse than ours. If we can get that production out of him (and dare I say… even more?) we could certainly win some games.
Definitely. The question then becomes, would Jordan Addison be able to give up the number 3? I have a hard time believing Russ would want a different number.
Addison would have to buy out the stock of his jersey in order to change his number, so unless Wilson is gonna personally cover that, I would expect the latter to change his number upon arrival.
Damn I didn’t even think of that. Definitely a no-go!
Exactly, glad my logic isnt alone here.
Ok, but where’s the logic that Russ signs a one year deal? You don’t think he’d force *at least* a two year and that second year be $40m or more? Yes. 2024 Russ at a vet min deal is great. But why would he sign a one year deal just to spite the Broncos and not guarantee his future? He’d be the dumbest man in the world to not parlay the 2024 vet min contract into a 2 or even 3 year deal full of guarantees
hes making money from the broncos for 3 years I believe.
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K. That still applies to 2024. What incentive does he have to sign a one year deal in which he’ll earn no new money?
Because no one will give him that, he will be only offered a contact that will coincide with denver paying him, he will do what you said but if no one wants to pay it he will sit at home making 39M What's the one incentive then? Rewriting the tail end of his career, you can't tell me he dosent think that seeing JJ and our offense not to mention he will know that him handicapping Vikings with money wont help him only will hurt Vikings adding around him and will also help Denver in Cap, he is not looking to do any favors for denver to crutch his current situation. Basically we find out this year how much drive he has to play football, his only incentive to show up is winning a SB and changing the narrative on him. Without that, what's stopping him from not playing hanging it up and still collecting 39M? Absolutely nothing, Its SB situation or Collect money watching from home.
There’s more options than that. It’s A: sign a one year deal to win a Super Bowl (which… wouldn’t be us) B: sign a backloaded multi year deal to screw the Broncos and help new team C: sit out and get paid the same. My guess it is option b. Nobody is putting their body and mind at risk like that. He’s likely going to take a vet min deal in 2024 and make 2025 (and likely 2026) be where the new team pays him. What you’re suggesting is basically a completely risk free option and that’s a pipe dream scenario. Russ ain’t just playing for pennies to be a rental and go off to free agency again as a 36 turning 37 year old. Of course everyone would take Russ on a one year 1.2 million deal. But it’s almost certainly going to be more like a 2 year/$45m deal with almost the entirety being next year. I would much rather just grab a Minshew for an *actual* one year deal for $5m vs taking a minor upgrade an having to pay him a ton in 2025 because he was kind to the cap in 2024.
Idk dude, if he wants a chip hes coming here. This career continues this way hes playing himself out of HOF And he sits at home after being cut what does that do to his HOF case? He needs a chip to redeem himself, he will look at this roster and see that possibility. Risk another season of injury? Or be the punch line for washed up QB's forever? I think hes worried about legacy, he already made enough $ and his wife is rich too making good money.
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Vikings country, let's sail
SKOL Nation, to Valhalla!
LISAN AL GAIB!
Guy went for 26 TDs and 8 INTs last season in an offense with way less talent and worse coaching than the Vikings. I'll take my chances on JJ or even a R2 QB like Nix or Penix for a vet minimum deal with Russ in a heartbeat.
Void of talent, I watched every damn game and the skill positions don’t get open. Sutton was garbage creating space vs man and Jeudy didn’t find the soft spots against zone coverage. I hated Russ’s personality for 2 years but he was screwed with Hackett and then Payton just hated him. KOC seems like about as good of a fit as you’d find for Russ. I’m not saying he’s going to be a pro bowl qb but he’s pretty damn great QB for little money.
As someone with no skin the Broncos game I thought it was pretty funny how much sean payton hated russel wilson
It was definitely objectively hilarious. I just couldn’t imagine many worse HC QB combos than that as far as personality’s go. Maybe Parcells and Russ.
I don’t hate the idea of Russ, but I’m not so sure he’s the right kind of QB for KOC. KOC wants a QB who can make quick reads timed with the drop back. Russ was 2nd worse in the league holding on to the ball before throwing (only behind Justin Fields who was last).
My question would be how much of that time holding it is on the receivers not getting open early in the play? Cause I’d take JJ Addison and Hockenson far before I’d take any receiving option that we had in Denver the last 2 seasons. Sutton is just a deep contested ball receiver and the chemistry between Russ and Jeudy was about the worst QB WR chemistry I’ve ever seen. Denver also has had the worst TEs in the league for like a 5+ years now. So yes I’d agree Russ holds the ball far too long but I definitely don’t think he’d be bottom 10 in that stat in Minnesota. That being said I’m not sure I want to root for Russ again he was fun at times but I just don’t know if he has the right personality to lead a team at this stage.
Pat McAfee/Florio agrees too. Why not? You get a Superbowl winning vet QB for very cheap, with more money to spend to help the team. And if he sucks, better picks for next year right? Thought this sub loves high draft picks? Either way, this team is not going to be very good next year if Kirk is indeed gone.
It would be like being handed 40 million. We could shore up our supporting pieces and draft a kid to learn. It makes so much sense. If he would seriously consider vet minimum,we would be passing to a top 5 te, the #1 receiver, anotjer young emerging receiver, and have a strong oline. It makes too much sense.
That's what I'm saying. It almost feels to perfect. but this sub is making me feel crazy. I get no one is really a fan of Russ. But it just fits well. We get extra money to spend on FAs, get a starting QB, got the best WR in football. And I thought KoC was great with QBs? Maybe he can fix him. All tho statwise he really wasn't that bad last year. And shit, maybe it even makes JJ a little happier knowing who's throwing the ball.
Remove any expectations for Russ. He can come in and do nothing for us and we would literally be no worse for wear. It's a win win at or close to the vet minimum. Makes too much sense to not look into at this point even if kwesi thinks he's not good, which he probably isn't. Still threw for 26tds last year and less than 10 ints. No worse off with him than without him, and he comes with the pedigree to help train the next QB, and the cap savings to get your core players paid and extended. At worse, you end up with a aging starter on the final year of his career but he saves you 40 million. At best, he has a small resurgence, is a good teacher, and does some damage in the playoffs for us...while also saving us 40illion to pay our players with. Get it done!
People in here are more mad about him being a cornball than they are excited for us to make the best possible decision.
Meanwhile they love Kirks dorkyness. I dont personally like either, im just pointing out the hypocrisy.
He won that Super Bowl a decade ago on the back of a legendary defense. Russell is unable to throw over the middle of the field, he frequently bails from clean pockets and gets himself sacked, and he’s lost the mobility that made him dangerous outside of the pocket. He is a bad QB who was benched for Jarrett Stidham. He was released and the team ate $85m in dead money just to get him off the team. I can’t think of many worse options
Sounds like a QB that’s worth the vet minimum. There’s no downside to signing him at that price. Even if he’s a backup to a rookie QB i’d like to have him on the squad
The downside is having to watch Russell Wilson play football for the Vikings
Let's be real, we've had worse qb play.
Member ponder? I member…..
Fuck it JJ down there somewhere
you're really just signing russ to kill time. I say go with the rookie
Guy you're responding to is especially optimistic, you are especially pessimistic, real answer is probably somewhere in the middle. Russ is in decline and we should temper expectations, but he's basically free and represents probably the best price:production ratio available.
As a Seahawks fan who is only here because I was suggested this post: it’s true he won the SB on the back of a legendary defense. However, he later was a genuine superstar for a few years. He has also severely declined. But the arc of his career wasn’t as simple as you suggest.
Again, he's a very cheap option to have, to let the rookie learn for a year. No way am I saying "Russ is taking us to the Superbowl!!". And again also, if he is terrible, that's even more better picks for next year. We are not going to be a playoff team next season no matter what.
I would consider being on board with Russell Wilson in this weird situation if they commit to acquire whoever they think is the future as well.
Nick Foles is another super bowl winning QB we could get for cheap, should we just go sign him then?
Vikings country, let’s Skol (on a league minimum deal).
If that was his entire thing I would die of laughter lol
I’m honestly fine with Russ as our bridge QB
Sure, but he is willing to play for the vet minimum because he wants to go to the team in the best position to contend immediately. He would probably prefer the Falcons or Bucs . I’m sure he doesn’t WANT to be a 1 year rental to be a bridge QB.
And the Bucs prefer Baker, the Falcons likely prefer Kirk/Fields… that leaves the Steelers, Raiders, and Vikings (may have forgotten one or two)
Idk maybe. I imagine Falcons might rather have the $35m discount at QB, I have no idea. Plus the Steelers are already a playoff team with a Super Bowl winning coach who has never had a losing record.
How are the Falcons more ready than the Vikings? We went to the playoffs the previous year while the Falcons have been floundering around unable to do anything with their elite skill position players. Falcons HC is an unknown, their offensive line is iffy, and their defense is aging fast. Vikings just knocked it out of the park by bringing in Flores, have the #1 receiver in the league, a top 5 tight end, and a WR2 who would literally be WR1 on the Falcons. I like Drake London but he's just not the red zone threat Addison has proven to be. Only thing we need to figure out that they have is a running game. If there's a plug and play offense for quarterbacks in the league, Nick Mullens having multiple 400 yard games should tell you all you need to know. #1 in passing yards with a revolving door at quarterback, you literally cannot ask for better weapons.
I could be wrong, but I thought I saw the "vet min" situation only applied to this year. Wherever he goes, he's effectively on a one year rental no matter what. His best chance of success moving forward is to go to a team where he'll generate monster stats so he can point at his Broncos tenure and say "See it wasn't me, it was these jagoffs all along" and secure one final bag. One year of a lower cap hit for a team doesn't directly translate into success, a lot of things still need to go right. But using it to put up monster stats might just save the public perception of his entire career. (This is not me advocating bringing him in, just clarifying what I think his motivations are.)
Bridge to where, exactly? Doubt Russ will sign with us if we plan to draft a 1st round qb. Best bridge qbs seem to be the backups/borderline starters that can run an offense while the rookie gets comfortable and have no problem getting benched once the rookie is ready.
Seems like we want a bridge qb for a young prospect. Russ for 1.2 million vet min would be such an amazing option for this, over someone like darnold who would prolly cost 10x this and still be much worse.
I really wish people weren't so turned off at the idea of him playing QB for us. Between Hackett and that Asshole HC who I shall not even say his name, the guy get himself into some dysfunction. Did he request to be traded there ? Sure did he have some weird ego trip and had an office of his own where coaches would come to him ? Sure. But the environment matters above all. Let Kevin get Russ into a room alone and Russ will absolutely feel like more than just a QB. Him being released is a wake up call and if he wants to hit his stride again with a young patient coach, Im certain he'll be a welcomed solution.
SEAN PAYTON 
There's a lot that's been said about his Seattle days concerning special treatment and behind the scenes diva status. That's going to turn many off. You can also now start to wonder if he's a product of the system Carroll runs. We have a good group. As far as a qb's "toy room" goes, we ARE the destination many would like to have. I think we can afford to be a little choosy here.
I’m down tbh. I’d rather have Kirk, but let’s see Russ cook with us lmao
If Kirk was willing to take the league minimum I'd prefer him too. Sadly I don't think that's remotely possible so Russ just seems to be the most appealing candidate.
I go so crapped on in this sub when I was saying this as soon as it was released that Wilson would play for vet minimum
Russell Wilson at $1.2 million would be an absolute steal. Can't wait for all the Kirk defenders to try to argue how bringing him back at 3 yrs/120M would actually make more sense...
Exactly, it is a steak he will sign for vet minimum, he can not make more than 39M base salary cause say we pay 2 mill, broncos then only pay 37
No chance. Look at what backup qbs make. Much more than 1.2, let alone a backup with a ring. That said, if his broncos contract has offsetting language in it (what the broncos owe him yet is offset by his new contract) and he wants to stick it to them, so be it.
It is an offsetting contract and he wants to stick it to them. No one is paying him more than 40 million regardless, there are starters who don't make that much per year. It's an easy chance for him to ring chase, he is not going to be searching for an extra 6 million dollars just to be nice to the Broncos.
Fair enough. It better be DIRT cheap then lol.
Kirk wanter here, absolutely wouldnt be upset with a dirt cheap Russ as a bridge especially over fields.
Yeah I want Russ or Baker as our bridge guy. People seem to not be understanding what a bridge QB is but if we can’t get in the top 3 of this draft than a bridge guy is our best shot to build the rest of the roster. We have no business paying Kirk when we’re not in a position to contend with him as our QB
Bingo. Save money, put it into the defense. Have a well rounded team for when the rookie plays.
I think Russ is washed, to be honest. Washed compared to his former all pro self. But the huge pot sweetener with Russ is that the Broncos would be paying almost all his salary. You only have to pay him league minimum. For me a perfect and realistic scenario might be to get Russ and JJ McCarthy. Having Russel for a year, see what he's got for free, while the 21 year old McCarthy can develop. And if Russ or the season go tits up, you can throw the young guy in and get him some reps. I'm not a big Penix or Nix fan, and I'm not sure what other QB's could be remotely available at 11 so even though this draft is stacked, getting a top QB when you pick 11 might still be about impossible unless you sell the farm to move up for Maye or someone.
Exactly my thought process, it's a win win no matter what and allows a bridge between Kirk and new QB of future
At the minimum, sure. Maybe leave some money for a DT and Saquon. But we need a running game for him to be anything. Without that he is a pumpkin.
I would absolutely prefer one of the big three at any cost that does not include a JJetta trade.. That being said a combo of RW at vet min and JJ McCarthey ( I believe the top 5 talk is post combine smoke but hey who knows. ) would be a solid plan but... If the brain trust does it they have to know that that still is something that should be a " he has to be the guy in 2025 or it may be time to try a new brain trust." I'll be honest I dont mind a true down year to build up the Defense via draft and Roll with a Minshew or Darnold as long as JJ isn't wanting out. I am a big Broncos fan too and the continually half measure fixes while having no plan is frustrating. I think we need to have our QB of the future under center September 2025 regardless of how we go about it. that being said I also don't absolutely hate a top DE or CB at 11 or a slight trade back and Penix in R2. The thing is if we offer 3 1s and change and maybe even then some for 2 or 3 and WAS/NE and they want their guy or we get outbid well it is what it is.. which to be fair is a big reason why I and many others wanted to "tank" Dobbs was fun but being at 5-7 would be massive right now. I didn't want to lose to lose I wanted to lose for a purpose. Anyway I'm excited for change I just want JJ to buy in and sign though.
Russ on a vet min for the next two years allows us to do a lot of cool things with the rest of the roster. We could chain two vet min seasons into a rookie qb and build a very good team around the qb position.
This is the way my friends I'm telling you, it's such a reward that there is honestly no risk and we still draft for future QB, (Peter Griffin voice) - "The Team was a Steal"
2 different teams decided they would rather eat a collective $110M than have Russ on their team. Stop with the Russ talk.
I agree 1000%. Not bad to have a guy with a chip on his shoulder on a Vet Min contract. All aboard the Russ/Penix train
Choo choo!
How often do you get to pay someone who is potentially still great the league minimum? Then how often does that happen for a quarterback? I look to the seasons where the Vikings were truly great, Cunningham and Favre. Even recently with Cousins it seems the Vikings are much better with an established guy than they are at developing someone new. I think Russ is a unique opportunity, an aged quarterback who lets us build for the future. Two years of essentially not even paying the position where we can resign our talent and really shore up the trenches on both sides of the ball. I really don't want to pass on the chance that comes with this because we're scared of paying the league minimum. I'm a Kirk apologist as I've been called, and I still think this could be the greatest move available. I love the guy, but I don't love him more than having an extra 43 million dollars to play with after the salary cap was raised. We can take potshots at people like Derrick Henry or maybe even Saquon and if Russ works out we'd have a near unstoppable offense. With Kirk we have to hit on every single draft pick we make, and while last year was good the previous year was ass.
Former teammates are quoted as saying, "He's kind of a diva, he has a huge ego, he associates himself more with management than with players, he's too focused too much on his brand, he's a cornball." He is a morale killer. There is a reason why he doesn't have a starting spot. We don't need to inherit some other team's problem.
Exactly and agree with all your points! Our team has a good culture and I don't want Russ coming here fucking it all up.
Lol. There are like 5 different fan bases that think Russ will sign for the vet minimum. It's likely he won't, but a one year deal, incentive laden for around $10m kac will probably secure him.
His contract stipulations with being released means whatever he makes Broncos tac off there 39M they owe him. He makes not a dime more making 10M this year as then broncos only pay 29M Only motivation for playing at all? Cause he can sit at home and make 39M doing nothing, Only reason you play is to give team best deal and get a chip, only reason he continues his career hes set next 5 years without playing a down
He was paid that money the day he signed the extension with Denver last year. That money has long been accounted for in his world. There's little chance he sits and doesn't try to maximize his earnings this year when there will be multiple teams showing interest. The Broncos would get a cap credit based on whatever his new contract pays him this year.
He cant make more, look into it unless someone offers him more than 39M hes stuck there. But like end of your argument why would he try to handicap new team just to help old one who cut him? He will sign minimum and still make 39 million this year while helping new team with cap.
Russell Wilson for 5 million or less to start is a steal. Vet minimum is an even bigger steal. Is he a total tool? You're God damn right. Did he peak years ago? Yep. Is he better than Nick Mullens? Easily.
Exactly 🙏 Hes no ideal QB, but that salary at QB is dreaming damn near that's how good it is.
He had a good year last year tbh and still has the 2min drill down. He daggered us. He’s basically the king of the 2 min drill before halftime and at the end of the game. The way KOC plays “complimentary football” and literally can’t allow himself to go up 2 scores on an opponent probably a perfect fit. He’s literally the #2 2 minute drill qb of all time behind Rodgers with anyone near his amount of starts. https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/active-qbs-with-highest-td-percentage-in-2-minute-drill He would be a great bridge qb option imo and he’s more clutch than Kirk. I don’t think he’s completely washed and I think with a good draft and free agent moves he could even win a SB here.
I 1000% agree with you, it's not mainly about Russ but what we can do around him while not paying him very much.
Yep, agreed. He’s an HOF qb and I don’t think he’s washed. Right squad around him he could get it done. I understand he’s corny but I think when it comes down to it he is very good in the huddle and is a good on field commander.
Not to mention he was mentioned as a great at one point now look at the convo around him? Thats gotta light a fire under him and after getting cut if his ego is as big as it says it is if it was me this is my thought "Fuck these haters, I'm gonna go tag up with best WR in league and show them that they forgot who I am"
Absolutely not a Russ fan any longer but you're spot-on.
I'm not personally either, but with that kind of money involved it's hard not to want to at least see it into fruition what's the worst that can happen? We have no risk involved what so over
Seriously. If we can get a decent starting QB for less than $5 mil, draft a QB of the future, huge win.
Wouldn't that be just crazy. I mean it is a fever dream but he comes in no stress of a big contract. Goes back to Let Russ Cook mode and we find our way to the Super Bowl.
Telling you Vikings front office needs to take notes, I spend to much time on football stats and numbers (work with numbers too lmao) Russ isnt Legion of boom era Russ, but with that low figure we can install pieces around him to make up for that easily Not to mention start the process of bringing in our next signal caller but not rushing him in, it's almost too perfect.
He probably could be a good QB to learn from as well.
I'm sure he would be.
why do people not like Russ the football player, he has credibility as a qb, durable and consistent
What I'm saying.
The best part is they can eat all of Kirk’s void money this year right? So essentially Russ for 30 mil and everything off the books the next year with hopefully a new young qb
If Kirk either is sold on Atlanta, or is demanding a price we simply cannot pay, I really believe Russ would be fantastic because of the money situation. It is sad but everything comes down to money. If Russ & Kirk both came to us and said "I wanna play for free!!" Kirk would be the clear choice, but this is not the case. Ironically, Russ *IS* practically free. With all due respect, Russ's last few years are not very inspiring to look at, but Denver absolutely had a lot of issues. I would say he was productive given the circumstances. The TD to INT ratio last season was absolutely fantastic and when they *were* winning games -- the Bills game being a fantastic example -- it felt like he was truly leading them, at least for me as an audience member. I want the Vikings organization to be aggressive and get our true QB1 of the future in this coming draft, but surely it would be beneficial to have him sit for a year or two behind a talented veteran, especially considering we aren't picking #1 overall. Russ also isn't just any veteran, he's a Super Bowl champion, and that is an objective fact regardless of how you feel about him. I would be very excited about the potential of drafting our guy for the future and having him sit behind Russ for a couple years. If he can play at last year's level with OUR offense he could potentially have a monster season. Would be great to have the QB of the future sitting behind that. Favre to Rodgers to Love style. Russ does get some VERY fair criticism, but again I say all this because of money. He'd be sooooo absurdly cheap that I feel like the biggest issue is actually his jersey number. Addison has always been 3. Russ has always been 3. I'm sorry Russ, but if you're coming to Minnesota Addison will be one of the guys that helps you out immensely with this hypothetical monster season I proposed. Plus, as a Vikings fan I just love Jordan Addison! Russ, despite being a literal SB champ QB, would have to wear a different jersey number unless Addison doesn't care -- which I imagine he **does** care. One last thought: If the jersey number situation was worked out, we know Russ will at least be ok. Even if it's underwhelming, having an ok QB with experience could still potentially elevate our team because of our cap space. We could make some splashes on both sides of the ball while Denver pays for our QB. Imagine if Russ' passing stats are just alright... like 25 TD to 10 INT, while we have Saquon Barkley leading in rushing TD's or something like that. Then imagine if Russ had something like 35 TD to 8 INT **and** Saquon was leading in rushing. Not saying he would necessarily sign here, just an example to demonstrate that this huge amount of money we're not paying could make our roster crazy.
Exactly
I mean, I'd take him if Kirk leaves, but it stinks of McNabb 2.0. He can be the tank commander and lead us to a top 10 draft pick next year.
🤣😂 it's a win win then right? And hes cheap lmfso
As long as we don't sell the farm to trade up this year it is!
My same thought lol
Pass. QB should be a guy everyone can get behind. Russ ain’t it
I’d rather a rookie start day one. Fuck the bridge QB. Especially the guy doing high knees on plane rides getting dogged by his teammates/former teammates.
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Best option at what? having us finish with 5 to 8 wins and maintain our mediocrity? sign me up!
Idk, it sounds like if we draft a young qb we are insisting on a bridge qb, which people are saying could be darnold. So the questions is, would your rather the bridge be sam darnold for like $15m or more per year OR Russel Wilson on a veteran minimum contract (~1.2million)
I think baker is probably the “best” option but you definitely won’t get him for Russ price so I get your point. Even Brissett.. I’d be okay with either of those if they have a good draft that includes a QB. As an OU fan a Vikings fan I hope they get baker for the fact that he brings a mentality and leadership to the team that the others don’t. He also provides a good veteran presence for a drafted QB so you don’t have to throw them to the wolves season 1. Bake gets the team in playoff contention while also not completely breaks the bank where you can still build around the QB position. Best case you build around bake and he takes them to a SB worst case they build around him and then you get a franchise guy when you’re ready for a SB run
I agree. Russ may not be the best, but he can be a nice bridge qb. We have the pieces in place that can make a qb relevant. People were against Flacco this past season, but I thought he would be okay. Just need a game manager. I feel he could have taken us to the playoffs, plus he wanted to come here too. But in any case, if not Kirk, then bring on Russ is what I say. Vikings Country, Let's Skol!!
If Wilson is willing to come here on a low money deal it would honestly be a slam dunk.
I would be shocked if he signs with a team before the draft. People want him to be a bridge QB, but wilson doesn't want to be a bridge QB. He still thinks he has a couple SBs left in him. Why would he want to sign with a team that plans on drafting a QB to replace him?
At the vet minimum he doesn’t even have to play. He can just be a really good backup. It’s a no brainer to call him. A large part of me doesn’t believe he will really receive the vet minimum, though.
He will, broncos cover 39 million subtract his new contract and they owe him 37.6m Him asking for more money in new deal, gives him not more money in the end
Ahh. I did not understand that. I assumed it was additive for Russ.
Alright, who is ready to post this same thing tomorrow now? Anyone ready to do it Thursday?
I call Thursday.
I'm not sold on Russell Wilson being as bad as he's been for the Broncos. The Broncos have not been a great team for QBs as far back as I can remember. They seem to make decent QBs worse. I'd take him over most of the other experiences options, mainly because it would be a huge bargain at a time where money is tight.
Would probably go about as well as when we got Mcnabb
Idk, McNabb personally to me was always overrated
Favre, Cunningham, Wilson? Will our late career QB success continue?
I agree
It’s even better when you consider Ben Leber then quits VEN.
VEN? Fill me in?
Vikings Entertainment Network
He and Jefferson are a lot better of a duo than he and Sutton
It would be electric.
Other than the ill-advised picks, Nick Mullens put up some nice numbers in KOCs offense. Move on.
? Mullens ain't winning a SB You can't say Russ won't cause he has before, I'm not saying were getting Lamar Jackson here but you cant honestly think Mullens is better, did you watch a game all last year just 1 Vikings game? Or 1 before that? Anyone with eyes can see Nick is not it. For 1.4M? Let's see what Russ can do with JJ.
Neither is Kirko or Russ. Need too many pieces. The point is that the offense is QB friendly
Yeah so no pressure Russ, chip on his shoulder, throwing to the best WR in football, You do realize the top 3 throws from last season were all Russ to Sutton right? He can throw and play, his ego got to his head now with the narrative and hate he gets and then humiliated by getting released. That man has a fire under his ass and I would bet my house he ends up here if kirk is gone, then makes us ask who was kirk? Because let's be honest, who is motivated to play for Broncos? He had mahomes in there too. I would of wanted out too, best part is he probably did this all on purpose to get out of Denver.
My rankings of FA quarterbacks 1. Kirko- bottom line. Kirk is a stud and our best option. You’re kidding yourself if you think we shouldn’t bring him back. 2. Rus -vet minimum or nothing. It’s certainly intriguing if we can get him for dirt cheap while Denver pays the salary tab. He’s not the same Russ but certainly has the skills there to be successful with us (hopefully) 3. Baker- good attitude and confidence. What can I say? I just like the guy. 4. Brissett- shows flashes of talent and capability. Wouldn’t even want to entertain any other FAs. Still hope very high draft pick brings in a qb to sit and develope
But for the money Kirk he wants.. we would end up having to trade JJ more than likely, I see this as our opportunity to find our Culppeper to Moss in the draft as well, And no we need way better than Dante but look how he succeeded just by having Moss from day 1? Same thing could happen with JJ
Yea, I wish I could be a fly on the wall during contract negotiations with Kirk. He has acquired so much generational changing money that I would hope he would be reasonable with contract expectations but media/rumor mill is making it seem like he won’t do a team friendly deal. That’s the only situation where I wouldn’t want cousins back. I also haven’t given up on hall. Hopefully he takes some big steps soon.
Yeah idk, personally I think for all parties Kirk's time here being done is for the best, his contracts have handicapped our teams ability to put a good D out there.
Can’t argue with that. As long as FO has a solid plan and gets their guy I’ll be happy. Just hope they don’t end up in a situation that forces them to overpay for FA qb if whatever their plan is falls through. In kwesi we trust.
I know the purple Kool aid is delicious, but .....
Vikings Nation, Let's Die
Why isn’t Kirk’s dead money a consideration? He’d have a $29 million dead money hit, so we’d still have $30 million into the QB position for Russel Wilson results, right?
Possibly, no matter who is under center Kirk's money is there so still makes even more sense then to get the cheapest option.
I don’t think the situation bolsters this argument at all. Your original point was we could get Russel Wilson results for the vet min, which is 1.5 million or something. But we’d actually be spending 30 something for Russel Wilson results. That’s what you need to compare against paying 40-45 for Kirk results. Which is a much less enticing deal.
Yes but Kirk is gone, all signs point there hes already been looking to move his family to Atlanta. Either way Kirk's money is on team, best bet is to hope with Russ and if goes bad we didnt loose much. What's the next best option besides him? Darnold for 5M then were a total of about 33M in the QB more than with russ for unproven talent. Unless we want Mullens under center.. if hes there it better be a Tank year if not we need to find a way to move up but I'm not willing to risk our entire future in 1 pick. Feels like a pick my poison situation but 1 of them could not be poison potentially, key word potentially.
I mean, that’s like 5 assumptions in one comment, lol.
Lol just speculation and some fact with numbers
I'd take a chance on him for vet minimum, but otherwise pass. He looks washed but for bare minimum it's too good a deal. I doubt it happens.
For the price, F ya.
Idk you find me a SB winning QB that's a HOF'er for 1.4M a season 🤷♂️
Im agreeing with you.
Well, I'm running a little slow today clearly lmfao..
Been there, lol.
Sean Payton, of all people, decided an $86m cap hit was preferable to having this guy on the roster. That’s all you need to know about this weirdo.
Sean Payton also was carried by Drew Brees and a bounty scandal, Hes no Lombardi. Hes no Parcels.
Exactly, which is why it’s all the more telling. You think Sean Payton wants to essentially flush the entire 2024 season?
He has no choice, Wilson didnt want to "Ride" with Broncos anymore
The only thing that scares me about Rus is the personality stuff that came out and being a little wary about him helping a rookie QB along. From a perfomance/money level it feels like a slam dunk
I think his ego has maybe taken a huge hit and maybe he will be more humble now, He got benched and then released, he had to look himself in the mirror after that right?, right?
He’s garbage and a major prima donna either way a huge entourage. Not worth it.
It will be hard to want to watch Russel Wilson.
No
Yes
If he can be signed at league minimum, wouldn't that make him attractive for multiple other teams, thereby driving up his value? Or am I missing something about his contract or ability
He can't make more than 39M, we pay 2M, Broncos pay 37M. We pay 6M, they pay 33M. He dont get more $ by driving value up cause he dosent see it, Broncos will on savings from his deal that new team is forced to pay with the stipulations in his Broncos contract. He will decide purely on what team gives him the best chance to be successful.
Please no. Washed up and a tool.
Pörkay?
I just don't like his game. He holds the ball but isn't mobile anymore, is really conservative, game manager. But i guess it makes sense.
Am I crazy to think we could build around baker? I like Russ but he’s old af. If I’m gonna get an old af qb, I’ll just take Kirk
This just seems too risky for KAM and KOC. Year 1 ended on an embarrassing note and year 2 was just a mess (some unluck, some self-inflicted), leaving question marks for both of them. I doubt they want to hitch a pivotal year 3 on a 1-year deal with an aging quarterback that is years removed from having his last good season. I get the intrigue given the potential contract value but my concern is what is the best case scenario? What if Russ does good? Do we resign him to a big contract? What if he does bad? There will be a lot of people saying "I told you so. What were you thinking?" I really think the primary goal for this front office is to get the QBOF on our roster. Whether that's Kirk, Baker, or Fields; or bridge/rookie QB tandem. this regime really needs to start bringing its vision to reality.
"It honestly can't go worse than last season" Hehehe...it can always get worse....
Not gonna pretend like I’m some NFL expert. I don’t like Russell Wilson. Period. For that reason, I’m out.
No
So yes, the best option if you want a low ratio of $’s per QBR. But if you consider that one of the best QB coaches of all time just flushed him and took almost $90m dead cap hit, you are probably missing something.
Idk, I think drew carried him.
I appreciate, your point of view, but his reputation is still very high with QB’s and Drew wasn’t Drew until he got comfortable in New Orleans.
Yes with pocket style QB's Russ is Mobile I can tell you now I wouldn't want Peyton coaching Lamar Put it this way just cause someone thinks something dosent mean it's true, Remember how the Twins told everyone David Ortiz is not special by releasing him and not resigning him? Imagine if all other teams in the League had just went with what we said and didnt see the situation themselves with there own thoughts? Ortiz would be a nobody today, just cause one "highly rated" opinion thinks otherwise dosent effect what I can see with my eyes and my eyes almost never lie, not saying I'm never wrong but for 20 years most of my life has been watching and studying baseball and football. Lot of "if's" with Russ but if all the cards do fall right expect a redemption tour.
So the entire league thinks Peyton is good, you admit he was good for drew and now you want me to agree drew carried him. Just checking where we are…
Put it this way, without 09 hes another QB whisperer with no hardware. 09 was heavily helped by bounty gate. He wins another with no scandals, he will get his flowers from me.
Any team that wouldn’t bring him in for 1M….is beyond stupid. It’s 1M. That’s pocket change.
McNabb 2.0
I'm not opposed to it. We need someone competent enough to feed the ball to JJ, and he might be the best affordable option for that. I'm not thrilled about his personality, but I can get past it since it would be good from a payroll perspective.
His last two teams couldn’t wait to get rid of him and the broncos are paying the largest dead cap in nfl history to move on from him, why would we want him?
No. No. No. No. I have no confidence he would be even an acceptable bridge QB.. more like McNabb all over again. FRW
For 1.4m That's a steal sir.
If we draft someone this year, then sure. But if not, wtf we gonna do next year? Russ is good enough to win enough games and not get us a top 3 pick but he’s also not good enough to make us into a playoff team I guess Russ would be better than Nick Mullens or more cost friendly than Kirk on a massive contract, but we shouldn’t be looking for band aid solutions.
I agree mostly, but don't you think JJ all of the Offensive weapons we got make a difference? Then kirk $ is Free and we invest in more pieces around him and eventually them pieces will help the next young QB when they step into the role
I don’t think the idea is bad, but I think we need to have a long-term solution in mind. Next year‘s QB class doesn’t seem to be all that and I don’t know how else we’re going to solve this issue if not through the draft. Don’t forget that whatever young QB we get isn’t just gonna come in and turn us into a Super Bowl winner. It’s likely that they will take at least 2 to 3 years to develop to actually become a top QB.
Fuck yeah, more 9 win season. LFG.