Russell Wilson Rumors: QB Had 'Exploratory' Giants Meeting Before Steelers Visit

After the Denver Broncos gave Russell Wilson permission to talk with teams before he's officially released, the nine-time Pro Bowler isn't wasting time as he tries to find a home for the 2024 season.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Wilson was seen at Newark Airport getting on a flight to Pittsburgh where he will meet with Steelers officials. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Wilson "stopped in New Jersey" for "an exploratory meeting" with the New York Giants before heading to Pittsburgh.

The Broncos announced Monday they will release Wilson when the new league year begins on March 13.

Schefter reported Wednesday the Broncos granted Wilson permission to immediately start speaking with other teams in their home cities.

The Steelers have emerged as a strong candidate to sign Wilson. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on Thursday there is a mutual interest from both parties, but Wilson is also talking to at least one other team.

It might be safe to assume the other club is the Giants, based on Schefter's report. There have been several teams mentioned as a potential landing spot for Wilson.

The Giants have $41 million in cap space, even with Daniel Jones entering the second season of his four-year, $160 million contract signed in March 2023. They certainly need to add another capable quarterback after Jones struggled when he played before suffering a torn ACL in Week 9 that ended his 2023 campaign prematurely.

The Atlanta Falcons have been frequently linked to the veteran quarterback, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted they seem more likely to end up with one of Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield or Justin Fields.

The Las Vegas Raiders are another team that has a need at quarterback and could make a run at Wilson.

According to Fowler, the Raiders will explore ways to trade up in the draft to select a quarterback. They would likely have to make a significant jump from their current spot at No. 13 overall for one of the top four players at the position.

There has been nothing connecting the Raiders to Cousins or Mayfield in free agency. Fowler reported earlier this week Fields would be of interest to Las Vegas if the Bears trade him.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters in January their offseason plan is to have Kenny Pickett be the No. 1 quarterback before adding "there will be competition."

Pickett is the only quarterback Pittsburgh has under contract. Mitchell Trubisky, who started two games for the team last season, signed a two-year deal with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday.

Mason Rudolph is set to become a free agent after going 3-0 in the regular season and starting the Steelers' playoff game against the Bills.

Wilson threw for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns in 15 starts for the Broncos in 2023. He was benched for the final two games in a move that served as a precursor to their decision to release him.