Free agent quarterback Russell Wilson is expanding his search for a new team and scheduling visits with organizations that had not been considered strong contenders for his services.
According to reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Wilson is set to visit the Cleveland Browns this week. While Cleveland had been rumored to be pursuing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Atlanta Falcons’ aggressive pursuit of Cousins may have forced the Browns to explore other options, with Wilson now emerging as a potential alternative.
Adding to the intrigue, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Wilson also plans to meet with the New York Giants following his visit to Cleveland.
While Wilson has been widely linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are still in the mix, his market has not been particularly robust. Many quarterback-needy teams have been waiting on the fate of Aaron Rodgers, leaving Wilson as more of a fallback option.
Cleveland had not been a widely discussed landing spot for Wilson, but given their ongoing quarterback instability, the move could make sense.
The Browns invested heavily in Deshaun Watson, yet injuries and inconsistent play have left them without a clear long-term answer. Wilson, despite his struggles last season, could provide a reliable veteran presence if Cleveland remains unsure about Watson’s durability or performance.
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Wilson appeared in 11 games for the Denver Broncos last season, throwing for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
However, his performance declined toward the end of the season, which damaged his free-agent stock. Still, he remains an experienced option, particularly in the AFC North, where he has already faced divisional opponents as a member of the Steelers.
As Wilson weighs his next move, the quarterback carousel continues to spin, with his visits to Cleveland and New York suggesting that his next destination may be more surprising than originally expected.