You can mark one NFL team that won’t pursue Russell Wilson when he becomes a free agent on March 13th.
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales appeared on “Up & Adams” with Kay Adams to talk about the possible sweepstakes that could ensue if the Denver Broncos release Wilson after two rocky seasons. The new team has already been ruled out. team.
“This is not the situation for Russ,” Canales said frankly.
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Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 27, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Canales has a history with Wilson, his NFL coaching career primarily with the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson led an offense they won a Super Bowl with from 2012 to 2021 before being traded to the Broncos.
Canales joined the Seahawks in 2010 and stayed with them through the 2022 season, helping Wilson’s successor Geno Smith win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
Canales joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to become their new offensive coordinator in 2023, taking over as the Panthers’ head coach after a successful season with Baker Mayfield leading the team.
Broncos to release Russell Wilson after two seasons
Wilson has faced a lot of criticism since the Broncos announced their intention to move on and use up the remaining millions of dollars on his contract, but Canales gave props to Wilson, with whom he once worked closely.
“What I would say about him is he took advantage of that opportunity to go to Denver. I really respect him for that,” he said. “I really admire your courage to say, ‘I’m going to step away from what I’m comfortable with.’
“Certainly, guys like me who have been with him for 10 years and the peace of mind that comes from that is the same. I don’t know what he wants, what he needs. I know exactly what I’m looking for. I can predict those things. He really set out to bet on himself. “And to see how it goes, to do something different. Give it a try and see how it goes, hey, the movie is out and I really give him credit for that.”
Dave Canales answers questions during a press conference to inaugurate the new head coach of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team on Thursday, February 1, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Considering the Panthers just took Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s NFL Draft, Canales’ first answer to Adams is expected here. His career got off to a very rocky start, going 2-14 with 2,877 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
The Panthers have a tremendous amount of work going on, but it’s clear they’re focused on Young’s development as their franchise quarterback. Owner David Tepper believes Canales, who was an outsider to many, is the person who can maximize Young’s potential.
As for Wilson, there are many teams in the NFL in need of quarterbacks, and they could be aggressive in acquiring Wilson next season. He recently said on the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast that he has a desire to win more Super Bowls before giving up on his career.
Teams such as the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings could be in the running for Wilson when the new league year begins on March 13th. The Broncos are also reportedly allowing Wilson to contact teams now to get a head start in free agency.
Russell Wilson No. 3 of the Denver Broncos waits to lead his teammates onto the field during a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Lauren Elliott/Getty Images)
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However, the Panthers could look elsewhere with money this offseason.
