How attractive are the Broncos to veteran QB Russell Wilson?

If Russell Wilson has narrowed down his possible trade destinations to three teams, including the Broncos, what does each club offer?

The rumors of Russell Wilson’s possible offseason relocation were stoked again on Wednesday with a report that the Seattle Seahawks quarterback had whittled his preferred trade destinations down to three teams, including the Denver Broncos.

Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Wilson would “strongly consider waiving his no-trade clause” for the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints and the Broncos.

But which one of those destinations makes the best fit for Wilson? Let’s break down each according to three criteria:

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Front office/ownership

The Saints might be the most stable option of the three possible Wilson relocation destinations, as Mickey Loomis has held the general manager position in New Orleans for 15 seasons.

Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has served in that role for New York since 2018, but last month NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported he’s “unlikely to return in 2022.”

Gettleman, who will be 71 next season, may “end up walking away himself into retirement,” Rapoport said.

Denver seemingly has its general manager position locked up for the foreseeable future, as George Paton wraps up his first season of a six-year deal.

However, ownership might be the key issue regarding Denver, as it’s uncertain whether one of the children of late Broncos owner Pat Bowlen will take over the club come next spring or if the team will be on the market.

Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams of Yahoo Sports reported last week that the team had interviewed bankers in advance of a potential sale. Broncos chief communications officer Patrick Smyth told the outlet the team is “currently not for sale.”

“As (team CEO and Bowlen trustee) Joe Ellis said in July, the ownership transition will be addressed at some point after the season,” Smythe said.

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Head coach

Once again, it appears New Orleans has the strongest case to make here, as Sean Payton has been among the NFL’s most successful head coaches since being hired in 2006.

Payton has been a model of stability, as he’s not only the second-longest tenured head coach in the NFL (behind only New England’s Bill Belichick) but he’s one of just seven active head coaches who has led his team to a Super Bowl victory.

On the other hand, both the Giants and Broncos feature head coaches who are relatively new to the position.

New York’s Joe Judge and Denver’s Vic Fangio, despite a sizable age gap, are both in their first head coaching roles.

Judge, 39, was hired in January 2020, just ahead of the global COVID-19 pandemic. More than midway through his second season in New York, Judge has led the Giants to 10 wins compared to 18 losses.

Fangio, 63, was hired one year ahead of Judge in January 2019, and has gone 7-9 and 5-11 in his first two full seasons. Denver currently sits at 6-6 through Week 12.

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Offensive roster

Despite its current offensive output, the Broncos might offer Wilson the most weapons for his arsenal.

Denver has arguably one of the deepest wide receiver corps in the NFL, featuring recently extended wideouts Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick, along with young pass catchers Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler.

The Broncos also have potent weapons in tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam and Noah Fant and running back Javonte Williams.

Both the Giants and Saints receiving options leave much to be desired, however both teams feature All-Pro level running backs in Saquon Barkley and Alvin Kamara.

The image of Wilson working in tandem with either Barkley or Kamara is the stuff of nightmares for defensive coordinators.