Raiders could join the Giants and Steelers in Russell Wilson sweepstakes as veteran QB enters free agency after $242m Denver Broncos nightmare
- Russell Wilson spent ten season in Seattle before getting traded to Denver
- The Raiders went 5-4 late last season under then-interim coach Antonio Pierce
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The Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as a potential landing spot for soon-to-be free agent Russell Wilson.
The Broncos signed the veteran quarterback to a five-year, $242.6 million deal after acquiring him in a blockbuster trade from Seattle. However, after two unsuccessful seasons, the team opted to move on from Wilson while taking an $85m hit in dead money with the release.
Wilson was told he would get cut once free agency gets underway. The team, however, gave him the green light to take meetings around the league beforehand.
On Friday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Wilson met with the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers. Schefter also added that the Raiders 'possibly' have a meeting with the quarterback.
The Raiders hired former interim coach Antonio Pierce full-time after leading the team to a late push last season.
![The Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as a possible landing spot for quarterback Russell Wilson](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/09/14/82252067-13176951-image-a-85_1709993019130.jpg)
The Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as a possible landing spot for quarterback Russell Wilson
![The Raiders went 5-4 late last season (8-9 overall) under then-interim coach Antonio Pierce](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/11/16/82252087-13176951-The_Raiders_went_5_4_late_last_season_8_9_overall_under_then_int-a-1_1710173173207.jpg)
The Raiders went 5-4 late last season (8-9 overall) under then-interim coach Antonio Pierce
![Wilson was told he will get cut during free agency after two seasons with the Denver Broncos](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/11/16/82252079-13176951-Wilson_was_told_he_will_get_cut_during_free_agency_after_two_sea-a-2_1710173173253.jpg)
Wilson was told he will get cut during free agency after two seasons with the Denver Broncos
After replacing Josh McDaniels midway through the season, Pierce helped Las Vegas to a 5-4 record as they finished 8-9 overall. Joining the Raiders would pin Wilson in an AFC West rivalry against Denver.
The Broncos went 11-19 with Wilson as the starting quarterback and failed to see the playoffs in both seasons.
Furthermore, his time in white and orange came to a sour close when he was benched by head coach Sean Payton with two games remaining in 2023.
The tipping point in the break-up came when Wilson and his team had a meeting with the Broncos during their Week 9 bye. The team reportedly wanted to find a 'creative way' for Wilson to waive or adjust a $37m injury guarantee on his contract.
Wilson then reported that they threatened to bench him if he and his team played financial ball during the negotiation. The Broncos, including general manager George Paton and owner Greg Penner, have since claimed that the pitch was made in 'good faith.'
Wilson spent his first ten seasons in Seattle where he made nine Pro Bowl selections and led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl in 2014. Over his career, Wilson has thrown for 43,653 yards and 334 touchdowns with 106 interceptions.