Wilson’s legacy on the gridiron is undeniable: he is a 10-time Pro Bowler, the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year, a two-time NFC champion, and a Super Bowl XLVIII Champion with the Seattle Seahawks. Leaving the game ranked 16th all-time with 46,966 career passing yards, his impact on the league will be felt for years to come.

As Wilson transitions to the booth, the four franchises he once led find themselves in vastly different situations today at the quarterback position.

The current state of Russell Wilson’s former teams

Seattle Seahawks

Entering the NFL as a modest third-round pick (75th overall) in 2012, Wilson quickly defied all expectations in the Emerald City and secured a historic Super Bowl victory in 2014. In a poetic twist of fate, the very same year Wilson announced his retirement, the Seahawks captured another Lombardi Trophy—winning Super Bowl LX under the leadership of quarterback Sam Darnold.

Darnold, who completed a massive career resurgence by guiding the NFC West powerhouse back to the mountaintop, is now firmly entrenched as Seattle’s franchise QB1.

Denver Broncos

In 2022, the Broncos executed a blockbuster trade with the Seahawks to acquire the quarterback who had famously defeated them in the Super Bowl nearly a decade prior. Unfortunately, the high-stakes partnership never quite clicked, and the two sides parted ways in 2024.

Today, Denver’s quarterback room is in a much more promising position with Bo Nix under center. Nix successfully led the Broncos to the AFC Championship game last season; though the club fell to the New England Patriots after Nix was sidelined with an injury, the future remains incredibly bright in Mile High.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Following his release from Denver, Wilson signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh. While he managed to guide Mike Tomlin’s squad to a playoff berth, the offense lacked the long-term consistency management desired, leading to his exit after just one season.

To replace him, the Steelers made waves by signing four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers enjoyed a solid 2025 campaign, orchestrating another playoff appearance for the black and gold. The franchise is fully running it back, confirming Rodgers’ return as the definitive starter for the 2026 season.

New York Giants

Wilson’s final destination in the NFL was a brief, rocky stint with the New York Giants. Though he earned the Week 1 starting nod, his uneven performances failed to satisfy head coach Brian Daboll, resulting in a swift benching.

The reins of the offense were handed to rookie Jaxson Dart, whom the Giants selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Bringing a dynamic dual-threat capability reminiscent of a young Wilson, Dart earned the full trust of the coaching staff, while Wilson concluded his final season as the team’s QB3 behind Dart and veteran Jameis Winston.

Patrick Mahomes sends heartfelt tribute

Following his retirement video, praise poured in from players across the league. Among the most notable reactions was a classy, heartfelt exchange with Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes.

“Congrats on a helluva carreer man!” Patrick Mahomes wrote on his Instagram post. “Thanks, 15. Love we got to share the field together! Keep being an inspiration to the kids!” Wilson replied.

“There’s a ton of little things that we have to clean up, that if we can play how we should play, I mean we want to be the best Broncos defense in history,“ he said during an appearance on the DNVR Broncos podcast.

“This organization has nothing but history in defense. So, to be able to come in day one, it’s our fourth year with (defensive coordinator) V.J. (Vance Joseph) to kind of, let’s get all the wrinkles figured out, which we’re doing right now. That’s what these next few weeks are all about. And I think if we just do the little things better, we will get those turnovers.“

Singleton’s resilience

Alex Singleton’s 2025 campaign with the Denver Broncos was nothing short of an absolute masterclass in resilience. After successfully grinding his way back from a 2024 ACL tear, the veteran linebacker faced an even bigger battle when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in early November.

In a mind-blowing display of mental toughness, Singleton chose to play through the immediate aftermath of the news, suiting up to log nine tackles in a Week 10 win over the Raiders before undergoing surgery the very next morning. His recovery was just as incredible: he missed only a single game, returning to action just 23 days post-operation to help anchor Denver’s defense on a magical run all the way to the AFC Championship Game.

Singleton finished the 2025 season with 16 starts, 135 total tackles (including 85 solo stops), a sack, and a Pro Bowl alternate nod. Now completely cancer-free with clean scans, he has turned his whirlwind diagnosis into a platform, openly using his story to champion early screening and preventative health.

Sean Payton’s defense wants to make a statement in Denver

Heading into the next NFL season, Sean Payton is aiming to establish the Denver Broncos as the undisputed premier defense in the league. Last season, Vance Joseph’s defensive unit finished third in modern points allowed (18.3 PPG), second in total yards allowed per game (274.0), and terrorized quarterbacks by leading the league with an incredible 68 team sacks.

To reach an even higher ceiling, Payton will rely heavily on a star-studded defensive spine across all three levels. While Alex Singleton anchors the middle of the field coming off his massive 135-tackle season, the pass rush will be spearheaded by edge rusher Nik Bonitto, who exploded for a career-high 14.0 sacks in 2025.

Up front, DJ Jones will continue to shoulder the dirty work as the primary run-stuffer to free up the linebackers, while the secondary remains locked down by elite shutdown cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Bolstering that backend is hard-hitting safety Talanoa Hufanga, who had a stellar debut year in Denver racking up 106 tackles and 11 pass deflections to earn Second-Team All-Pro honors.

“There’s a good chance we see him in this offseason program in June,” Payton said during a press conference on Saturday. “We’re going to be the ones kind of holding back, if you will.” In any case, Payton said Nix will be “clearly full speed” in time for training camp later in the summer.

Nix was a key component of the Broncos success last season. In fact, his absence during the AFC Championship Game might be the reason why Denver wasn’t able to go to the Super Bowl. Payton’s words are very reassuring for Broncos fans.

Bo Nix is a very effective QB

While no one will put Nix as an MVP candidate, he is definitely an effective quarterback with a winning mentality. That’s what Sean Payton likes to have under center, someone who can get things done, and is a mature processor of the game.

Nix led the NFL in passing attempts, completed 63.4% of his passes for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also led the league in game-winning drives with seven. Clutch at its peak.

The Broncos have bolstered Nix’s weapons

Last year, the Broncos had decent weapons in Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin. However, tight end Evan Engram wasn’t as productive as expected and Marvin Mims wasn’t as explosive.

Well, the Broncos took notice and traded for wideout Jaylen Waddle, who will be an instant difference-maker in this offense. They are also likely to give more looks to tight end Adam Trautman. Hence, Nix could be even better this 2026 NFL season.

The Broncos are currently regarded as a top-tier team in the AFC. In 2025, thanks to Sean Payton’s coaching, the club ended the Chiefs’ dominance in the AFC West to secure their 16th divisional title.

Based on that previous campaign, fans have high expectations for 2026. Marvin Mims shares these feelings, as the wide receiver believes the Broncos are true contenders to win the upcoming Super Bowl.

“For me, it’s just answering the door when the bell is rung,” Mims said, via the Denver Post. “I feel like I’ve done that pretty well the past three years, but when I get my opportunities, make the most of it. Be a good teammate and assist the team in however many ways they want. This year, the team we have, the roster we have, how far we went last year, we’re all expecting a Super Bowl this year.”

Can the Broncos build a dynasty in the AFC West?

From 2011 to 2015, the Broncos were the dominant force in the AFC West. However, from 2016 to 2024, the Chiefs took control of the division with a dynasty built by Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes.

Last year, Denver reclaimed control of the division, leaving many wondering if they can maintain this dominance. While Bo Nix is still recovering from a season-ending ankle injury suffered in the Divisional Round against Buffalo, expectations remain high for him and the club.

In 2025, the Broncos won the AFC West and the Chargers advanced as a Wild Card team, leaving the Chiefs out of the playoffs entirely. For 2026, Denver enters as the favorite to win the division once again, but they cannot afford to get comfortable.

The Chiefs’ winning mentality remains very much alive. While Patrick Mahomes continues to rehab from the significant knee injury (torn ACL/LCL) he suffered late last season, Andy Reid is unlikely to let his team miss the playoffs for a second consecutive year.

The Chargers are seen as the biggest threat to Denver’s plans. Jim Harbaugh has completely shifted the team’s culture, maximizing Justin Herbert’s potential and proving they have a competitive roster capable of fighting for the division.

Finally, the Raiders represent a new challenge. With a new head coach in Klint Kubiak and a new quarterback in Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas is expected to improve. However, this year may serve as a transitional test as the team adapts to Kubiak’s guidance.

The Broncos’ outstanding offense

During this offseason, the Broncos made a splash by acquiring Jaylen Waddle via trade with the Dolphins. They now boast a formidable trio of Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, and Waddle as the primary targets for Bo Nix.

The backfield features a lethal duo in JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey. While there are some questions regarding the consistency of Evan Engram at tight end, it appears Nix has plenty of weapons to pursue the Super Bowl title that Mims envisions.

Mike Garafolo, via his X account, reported the information regarding the Broncos’ invitation for E.J. Warner to participate in this important event. Likewise, the former Fresno State college player also spent time at the Chiefs Kingdom facilities this past weekend.

Kurt Warner’s story has become one of the most iconic moments in NFL history in recent years. Can his son somehow replicate what he accomplished in this new stage of his career?

E.J. Warner’s leap to the NFL

E.J. Warner’s 2025 campaign with Fresno State showcased his high-volume passing ability, as he recorded 2,030 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while maintaining a 54.3 QBR across 10 games. Although he led the Bulldogs to a 7-3 record as a starter and displayed elite efficiency in a bowl win over Miami (OH), his persistent struggle with turnovers—averaging at least 11 interceptions in each of his four collegiate seasons—remains a concern for scouts.

Standing at 6’0″, Warner is often compared to players like Brock Purdy due to his undersized frame and productive output. His experience and nearly 11,000 career passing yards give him a legitimate shot to compete for an NFL roster spot as a developmental prospect or a priority undrafted free agent.

Chiefs and Broncos QB situation

While both franchises have prioritized stability around their starting signal-callers, they have taken vastly different paths in shaping their rooms this offseason. The AFC West landscape shifted recently with the Chiefs parting ways with Jake Haener to trim a crowded unit that now features a high-profile backup and a fresh developmental arm, always lead by Patrick Mahomes.

Meanwhile, in Denver, Sean Payton‘s focus remains on the continued dominance of their third-year franchise cornerstone Bo Nix, supported by a veteran room designed to provide experienced relief if needed.

Kurt Warner’s memorable story

Kurt Warner’s trajectory is often cited as the ultimate “Cinderella story.” After going undrafted and famously stocking shelves at a Hy-Vee grocery store to make ends meet, he honed his skills in the Arena Football League and NFL Europe.

His breakthrough came in 1999 with the St. Louis Rams, where he led the high-powered offense to a Super Bowl XXXIV title while earning both league and Super Bowl MVP honors. Warner later revitalized his career by leading the Arizona Cardinals to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance in 2009, eventually finishing his journey with two MVP awards and a first-ballot induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

After suffering a fractured ankle during the Divisional Round in an overtime win against the Buffalo Bills, Nix was unable to play in the AFC Championship Game, a major factor in Denver falling short of a Super Bowl appearance. Now, months later, the focus is on ensuring he returns fully healthy.

According to Ian Rapoport, Nix recently underwent a routine follow-up procedure as part of that process. “During his scheduled re-check with Dr. Norman Waldrop last week, Broncos QB Bo Nix had a successful and anticipated follow-up clean-up procedure on his ankle. While the team is expected to be conservative with his participation during the offseason program, Nix continues to make strong progress in his recovery and remains firmly on track to be ready for the start of training camp.”

Bo Nix’s injury update: Broncos QB had another procedure

Despite the encouraging update for Bo Nix, the Broncos are not expected to rush their quarterback back into full action this spring. Rapoport emphasized that this kind of procedure is standard and does not change the broader timeline.

“For Broncos QB Bo Nix, having a follow-up cleanup procedure after a fractured ankle is not rare or unexpected and he’s still expected to be ready for the season. That said, don’t be surprised if the team takes it very easy with him this spring.”

That cautious approach reflects both the severity of the initial injury and the importance of having Nix at full strength when it matters most. While projections continue to point toward a full recovery in time for the 2026 season, the Broncos appear focused on managing his workload carefully throughout the offseason.

As for why they don’t have their first rounder this year, it’s simple: the Broncos traded it away to the Dolphins for the services of Jaylen Waddle. Denver thought Waddle is more than worth it, and to be fair, it could prove to be a genius move given how much everything evolves. Now, the Broncos are not the only team that doesn’t have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Broncos needed a top-tier wideout and they took advantage of the apparent rebuild in Miami to trade for Waddle. The pick ended up being the 30th, which is almost a second rounder. For a guy with Waddle’s production, that is a relatively low price to pay.

Jaylen Waddle could be a gamechanger for Denver

The Broncos didn’t have a need at wide receiver. With players like Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims Jr., this team didn’t need a new wideout. However, the Broncos seized the moment and saw an opportunity to bring a certified threat to bolster what can be considered a Super Bowl-ready roster.

After all, the Broncos went to the AFC Championship Game last season and were the first seed in a tough AFC. If you add a guy like Waddle, who ended with 64 catches and 910 yards with six touchdowns last season, it’s the icing on the cake.

Bo Nix’s return must be sooner rather than later

Bo Nix suffered an ankle injury in the last moments of the Divisional Round game vs. Buffalo Bills. However, according to the New York Times, he is expected to be a “full go” for the team’s offseason program and OTAs.

Hence, he should be able to build that chemistry with Jaylen Waddle from the get-go and guide the Broncos to be once again a full force to be reckoned with in the AFC.

However, it’s the first round the one that matters the most. All top-tier talent is usually gone after the first 32 picks. This year, though, there are six teams that have no first-round picks. Each time will have different picks but the same time to select in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, and Cincinnati Bengals have no first round picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Conversely, this means there are teams with multiple first-round picks.

Why do these teams have no first-round picks?

The Jaguars traded their 2026 first-rounder to the Cleveland Browns in a 2025 draft deal to move up to pick Travis Hunter. The Falcons traded their pick to the Los Angeles Rams as part of a package for a 2025 first-round used in OLB James Pearce Jr.

The Packers traded away their pick as a part of the Micah Parsons deal. The Colts traded their first-rounder to acquire Sauce Gardner. As for the Broncos, their first pick was traded to the Dolphins for WR Jaylen Waddle. Lastly, the Bengals traded their 10th overall pick to the Giants to acquire Dexter Lawrence.

Can these teams still have something to say?

Not having picks doesn’t mean that these six teams won’t play a part. It’s been heavily rumored that the 2026 NFL Draft will feature plenty of trades. Hence, don’t discard any of these teams jumping in and being a part of draft day if they see the opportunity to enhance their roster.

Per Jordan Schultz, the Eagles, Rams, and Texans gave Douglas top-30 visits. He also reported that the Broncos had him for a private workout. Joining all of those teams in the Caleb Douglas sweepstakes, Schultz reported that the Vikings and Saints also had a workout with him, and the Cardinals scheduled a visit for next week.

While not a top-tier wideout prospect, Douglas has gathered attention as a possible Day 2 pick. After all, his size is huge and teams can see him as a vertical/end zone threat. Douglas stands at 6’4″, weighing 206 lbs.

Caleb Douglas is good, but with a glaring flaw

A star that led the Texas Tech Red Raiders in yards (846) and touchdowns (7), Douglas should have a higher draft projection, but he had one worrisome weakness during his college days: drops.

The Eagles, Rams, and Texans are teams that have talent in their WR rooms, so drops will really harm you in the pecking order. Douglas had seven drops in 2025. As for the Broncos, Sean Payton won’t give too much looks to an unreliable wideout.

Caleb Douglas’ NFL comp

Douglas’ frame and strengths line up with his weakness to make a really accurate comp. Whether he ends up being a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft or not, he is very similar to Quentin Johnston.

Johnston is also a vertical, tall threat who struggles with drops, but also has quite some upside when able to actually catch the ball. If Douglas manages to correct that flaw, he could become an important piece on any offense he lands on.

In 2024, Greenlaw suffered a devastating Achilles injury during the 49ers’ Super Bowl appearance. While he successfully recovered and returned to the field with the Broncos, a series of lower-body injuries continued to haunt him throughout his tenure in Denver.

Following that injury-plagued season, Greenlaw has chosen to rejoin the Niners. He recently explained that his frustration in Denver stemmed almost entirely from these persistent health issues, which kept him from playing at his usual explosive level.

“Going from a 4-3 to a 3-4 was a huge difference, especially not being able to practice in the defense,” Greenlaw said on The Set podcast. “It’s just kinda like, for me, the fact that I’m not healthy, I don’t feel that twitch or that gear that I felt like I need to have, but, obviously, I’m out here trying to do everything I can to be on the field. It makes it tough when you pay a guy $11 mil and he’s only on the field 50 percent of the time. It made it tough for me. It made it to the point where it kind of makes you not happy.”

The 49ers’ ongoing battle with injuries

In recent years, the 49ers have faced heavy criticism and scrutiny due to the high volume of injuries sustained by their core players. This trend has even birthed a viral “conspiracy theory” linking an electrical substation near the team’s practice facility to the recurring health problems.

While there is no scientific evidence confirming that the substation is responsible for these injuries, the frequency of setbacks in the Bay Area has become a major talking point. Both fans and players have expressed concern over what is preventing the roster from staying healthy.

Now that Greenlaw has returned, he aims to remain injury-free during his second stint with the Niners. However, significant worry remains regarding the team’s overall durability. San Francisco must find a way to mitigate these health risks if they hope to return to championship contention.

A challenging 2026 season ahead

The 49ers enter the 2026 season facing a daunting divisional landscape. They share the NFC West with the Seattle Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions, who are already considered the early favorites to defend their division title.

The division also features the Los Angeles Rams, who remain perennial Super Bowl contenders, and the Arizona Cardinals, who are undergoing a major transformation with Tua Tagovailoa now expected to lead the offense. It is a tough road ahead for Kyle Shanahan’s squad as they look to reclaim the NFC West.

According to Mike Florio, the Broncos are at least exploring the idea depending on Bo Nix’s health entering Week 1. “Now, with only the Steelers linked to Rodgers during the 2026 free-agency cycle, Denver has potentially re-entered the chat. There’s talk of the Broncos possibly bringing Rodgers in for a visit. The motivation comes from the possibility that current starter Bo Nix won’t be fully and completely back to 100 percent when Week 1 rolls around.”

The Denver Broncos are Super Bowl contenders, but everything will depend on Nix’s recovery. That’s where Aaron Rodgers might enter the conversation if he doesn’t reach an agreement with the Steelers.

Aaron Rodgers to Broncos?

Even so, the Denver scenario appears unlikely. Aaron Rodgers is not expected to accept a backup role, and if Bo Nix is close to full strength, the Broncos would likely stick with their young starter. The idea of signing Rodgers as insurance would be difficult to sell, especially given the veteran’s stature and desire to remain a clear QB1.

That leaves the Pittsburgh Steelers as Rodgers’ most logical landing spot if he decides to play in 2026. The team has been loosely connected to the veteran throughout the offseason, and the fit remains obvious given their need for an experienced quarterback who is familiar with the organization.

However, money could become the biggest obstacle. Aaron Rodgers is believed to be seeking a one-year deal worth around $30 million, a figure that could complicate negotiations. Pittsburgh may hesitate to commit that amount for a short-term solution, particularly if the front office is focused on long-term roster flexibility.

If the Steelers ultimately pass, retirement becomes a very real possibility. At this stage, Rodgers appears to have limited options, with Pittsburgh offering the clearest path to a starting role. Otherwise, the four-time MVP could decide to walk away, ending one of the most closely watched quarterback sagas of the 2026 offseason.