The future of Russell Wilson is one of the most fascinating storylines of the offseason. His tenure with the Denver Broncos is over, and Wilson has been informed of his release — which will officially happen when the new league year begins next week.

And there are financial implications that will dramatically impact his next destination. He will leave behind $85 million in dead money for the Denver Broncos. Presuming that the team will use one of its post-June 1st designations, it will be $35.4 million in 2024 and $49.6 million in 2025.

But there's also a caveat. Wilson is slated to make $39 million from the Broncos this year, but if he's released and signs with another team, that amount will offset what the Broncos have to pay him.

So, unless there is a team willing to pay him more than $39 million, which is not very likely at this point, he will make the same amount. That creates a scenario in which Wilson signs with a new team for the veteran minimum ($1.21 million), leaving his new destination with a great flexibility to build around him, and the Broncos would still pay most of his salary.

With all that in mind, let's go through five potential landing spots.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Atlanta Falcons could be here, but the Pittsburgh Steelers and Russell Wilson are both interested in each other. It's an interesting way for the Steelers to upgrade at quarterback without completely giving up on Kenny Pickett, because Wilson could function as a short-term option, leaving the door open for Pickett to take over again in the future.

It's a strange fit scheme-wise, because offensive coordinator Arthur Smith loves to throw to the middle of the field, and Wilson tends to avoid that area. But that doesn't mean Wilson wouldn't be an immediate upgrade over the quarterback play the Steelers had in 2023.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns are not in many quarterback-needy teams lists, but The Ringer's Benjamin Solak mentioned them as a potential Justin Fields' destination if his market is cold. Well, if they might be willing to trade for Fields, signing Wilson would also be an interesting option.

After all, Wilson is a proven piece and has played better than Deshaun Watson, even though his time in Denver has been underwhelming. His low salary would be a motivation for general manager Andrew Berry to try to upgrade without affecting the rest of the roster.

Las Vegas Raiders

When the Raiders cut Jimmy Garoppolo, the only quarterbacks on their roster will be Aidan O'Connell, Brian Hoyer, and Anthony Brown — and well, Hoyer might very well be cut too. The team desperately needs a starter, and the most likely option seems to be trading up in the draft.

If the new management can't get it done, Wilson is a viable option. And he might be a solid bridge alternative even if the Raiders draft a rookie, especially at his projected salary. Wouldn't it be ironic to keep Wilson in the AFC West for at least one more year?

New York Giants

Similarly to the Browns' situation, the Giants would love to upgrade at quarterback without spending a lot of money. And even though Russell Wilson is not in his prime anymore, he is still probably much better than Daniel Jones — especially the 2023 version of Daniel Jones.

The Giants can't realistically cut Jones at this point one year after giving him a four-year extension, but a cheap alternative would allow them to keep afloat one more season while looking for a new long-term option.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings reportedly want to keep Kirk Cousins, but the veteran will test free agency and it's hard to know for sure if he will or won't find more money and a better structure elsewhere.

If the Vikings lose Cousins, they'll take a good compensatory pick and Russell Wilson becomes a bridge option. Remember, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah passed on Will Levis at 23 last year, so he won't take a quarterback just to take one.

The draft is a possibility, but Wilson would give the team some breathing room after a tough stretch without a viable quarterback since Cousins' Achilles injury.

Broncos expected to make not-so-surprising move this week

Saw this coming.