Russell Wilson still wants to play. But which team would trust a quarterback who was benched for most of his previous season? Anyhow, analysts believe the 37-year-old signal-caller is still suited for franchises in dire need of veteran leadership and quarterback balance.
CBS Sports’ John Breech suggests that Wilson is best suited for the Indianapolis Colts. Indianapolis should take note of a recent move by the Kansas City Chiefs: with Patrick Mahomes recovering from an ACL injury, the Chiefs may need a replacement by Week 1. How do they solve it? By acquiring Justin Fields from the New York Jets just in case Mahomes isn’t ready to return.
Meanwhile, with Colts QB Anthony Richardson seeking a trade, a veteran backup spot has opened up in Indianapolis, making it an ideal destination for Wilson, who served as Jaxson Dart’s backup in the New York Giants.
Seattle star QB Russell Wilson projected for Indianapolis and Kansas City
In Kansas City, Wilson can unite with a fellow Seattle Seahawk: Kenneth Walker III. But they just acquired Justin Fields from New York. So, the backup role to Mahomes may be full. What remains is Indianapolis.
Breech reports Indianapolis’ Daniel Jones may not be able to start Week 1 because of the torn Achilles he suffered in December. With Anthony Richardson on his way out and Shane Steichen trusting a tested veteran over a second-year QB Riley Leonard, the former Seattle Seahawks star’s chances of landing in Indianapolis seem high.
The Super Bowl champion is not in his prime, but he brings a wealth of experience to the table [14 years on the gridiron]. He recently had his best moments on the field, for instance, the Giants QB threw for 450 yards and scored three touchdowns in a 40-37 loss to the Jerry Jones’ Dallas Cowboys.
The Colts also share a prior connection with the Seahawks quarterback. In February 2022, Bleacher Report’s Tim Daniels reported that Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay was reportedly a huge fan of Russell Wilson and would have loved to make a blockbuster trade for the Seattle signal-caller at that time.
But Boardroom’s Jordan Schultz reported at the time that the Colts lacked a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft; consequently, Wilson’s deal in Indianapolis could not come to fruition.
That was 2022. Four years later, with the Colts now led by the late Jim Irsay’s daughter, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, the team is again being urged to acquire Wilson. In fact, the team was urged a year back too.
Russell Wilson was projected for Indianapolis a year back
In February 2025, Last Word On NFL’s Hannah Cason reported three reasons why Wilson was suitable for Indianapolis.
This may not be applicable now that Indianapolis and Richardson have mutually agreed to seek a trade, marking the end of Anthony’s tenure. And the Colts may be looking for Daniel Jones’ backup after a successful 2025 season with him. They recently signed him to a two-year, $88M contract extension.
Back-to-back Super Bowl appearances before turning 30, and he has been in the MVP conversation throughout his career.
In 2024, he accumulated 2,482 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and just five interceptions in his ninth Pro Bowl. He completed 63% of his passes and went 6-5 as a starter in Pittsburgh after taking over for then-Steelers QB Justin Fields.
In 2025, he played for a new team with rookie players. Also, he was benched a lot. There were no opportunities for him to show his excellence, especially after a 0-3 start.
Indianapolis DT DeForest Buckner said in a 2025 interview that it was the “ego” that got in the way of their 2024 success. The loudest voices in the Colts locker room were focused more on themselves than on the team. The Colts lacked maturity and leadership then. The team captains were not showing up either.
Cason reported that Richardson and Zaire Franklin were not fulfilling their leadership roles. Franklin was too arrogant and a troll, while Richardson had an issue with tapping out on third down.
The Colts were projected to overcome issues like these by bringing in more leaders like Wilson. He could have been a breath of fresh air and a source of humility in Indianapolis. Does this still hold true? Anyhow, Indianapolis is still urged by analysts to sign Wilson.
As per Spotrac’s calculated market value, the former New York Giants quarterback is projected to sign a one-year contract worth $5.7M, which gives him an average annual income of $5.7M. Over the course of 14 years, he has earned more than $316M.
The 37-year-old still wants to play on the gridiron. Which team would it be? As Patrick Mahomes’ backup in Kansas City? Maybe not. Could it be as Daniel Jones’ second string in Indianapolis? Remains to be seen…
