In a twist that could shake up the AFC West, the Kansas City Chiefs are on the hunt for a new starting quarterback for the first time in over a decade. With Patrick Mahomes sidelined due to a torn ACL suffered late last season, the Chiefs are eyeing a seasoned veteran to fill the gap until Mahomes is back in action.
Enter Russell Wilson. The former star of the Denver Broncos, Seahawks, Steelers, and most recently the Giants, is on the radar.
FOX Sports' Greg Auman has suggested that Wilson could be the one to step into the spotlight for Kansas City. While Mahomes is expected to make a full recovery, the Chiefs need a reliable backup to start the season.
With Chad Henne retired and Gardner Minshew moving on, there's a prime opportunity for Wilson to take the reins.
Wilson, now 37, is among the top free agents available, alongside other veterans like Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, and Joe Flacco. Last fall, Wilson made three starts for the Giants, appearing in six games as they transitioned to young talent Jaxson Dart. Prior to that, he had a stint with the Steelers, starting 11 games before being benched.
Over the past five years, Wilson has started 58 games across four teams, with a record of 23-35. Despite the challenges, he boasts an impressive 10 Pro Bowl selections, including nods in 2024 and 2021.
Wilson's time in Denver is infamous for its struggles, marked by what many consider the worst trade and contract extension in NFL history. His departure from the Broncos came after just one year under Sean Payton, who then drafted Bo Nix. The tension between Payton and Wilson adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, especially if Wilson lands back in the AFC West.
The Broncos recently reclaimed the division from the Chiefs after KC's nine-year reign. Notably, it was Wilson who led Denver to a pivotal victory over the Chiefs in October 2023, snapping a 16-game losing streak against them. If Wilson joins the Chiefs, it could set the stage for some electrifying matchups in the season ahead.