More likely than not, the Russell Wilson days in Denver are over. The team will need to look for a new quarterback option for several reasons, including money and performance. But how the process to find the new answer will shake out is still unclear.

Theoretically, from a long-term perspective, it would make sense for the Broncos to chase a young option in the draft. But historically, head coach Sean Payton hasn't been a big fan of playing a rookie quarterback, and that leaves the door open for a bridge option.

According to SI's Albert Breer, that's the most likely path.

^{"The Denver Broncos are playing nice with Russell Wilson right now, but few believe there's any way the 12-year vet is back in Denver next season. A clean break is probably best for everyone, and I'd expect they add an affordable vet (since they'll be paying Wilson $39 million for 2024, minus whatever a new team gives him, it's hard to see anything splashy) and look hard at either trading up for a quarterback in the draft or taking one at No. 12. This is Sean Payton's chance to hit reset at quarterback. I don’t see him passing on that."}

The perfect bridge option

There will be plenty of time to discuss the quarterback options in the draft, but free agency is closer. And the ideal option for the Broncos might be a Sean Payton's old friend.

Jameis Winston.

The former first overall pick signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2020, one year after the 30-interception season that ended his tenure for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The idea, which was in fact executed, was that Winston would be Drew Brees' backup for a year, working under Payton, to have another starting shot later on.

And that happened exactly with Sean Payton himself. When Drew Brees retired in New Orleans, Winston took over as the starter. And he did have a solid stint in 2021, which was by far the most efficient period of his career.

Winston completed 63.6% of his passes, with 14 touchdowns and only three interceptions — a 102.8 passer rating, ten points higher than his second best mark. However, Winston tore his ACL after seven games, missing the second half of the season.

In 2022, Sean Payton stepped away, and Winston lost the starting job to Andy Dalton under Dennis Allen. Last season, Winston adjusted his contract to be Derek Carr's backup, but he's not willing to do the same again.

"My goal is to be, and my desire is to be, a Super Bowl-winning starting quarterback in this league," Winston told the Saints News Network. "Right now, that doesn't look like a very clear picture with the New Orleans Saints."

According to A to Z Sports' top 105 free agent list, Jameis Winston is the 79th best available player — and the fifth quarterback, after Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, Ryan Tannehill, and Sam Darnold. He's certainly the least expensive option among these players.

His contract projection indicates a one-year, $4 million deal, which is exactly what he got from the Saints a year ago. Adding void years, the cap hit could be as low as $2.5 million for the Broncos.

Denver also has Jarrett Stidham as an option, and he's played a season under Sean Payton. But he had mediocre performances in his two starts, so a higher-upside alternative has to be in play. Jameis Winston offers that, even though he's never been a consistent player, and his previous relationship with Payton is a connection that cannot be dismissed.

Insider reports Broncos QB Russell Wilson would be open to veteran minimum on another team for starting position

The Broncos will soon need to make a decision on Wilson.