The Denver Broncos have announced their plan to release quarterback Russell Wilson and have given him permission to speak to other teams. But if Wilson was considering the Carolina Panthers, he probably should look elsewhere.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales—who was Wilson’s quarterbacks coach in his last four years with the Seattle Seahawks—has shot down any chance of the 35-year-old joining the Panthers.

“This is not the situation for Russ,” Canales said during an appearance on the Up & Adams Show. “What I will say about him is taking that chance and that opportunity to go to Denver, I really admire him for that. I really admire the courage it took to say ‘I’m gonna branch out from what I’m comfortable with.’ Certainly guys like me who was with him for all 10 years and the level of comfort that comes — I know exactly what he wants, he needs, what he’s gonna ask for, I can anticipate those things. He really gambled on himself to go and try to do something a different way to see what that can become. What it’s become, hey, the film’s out there but I really credit him for that.”

Of course, Wilson almost certainly wasn’t looking at Carolina as a potential destination anyway.

The Panthers just took Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick of the NFL Draft last season, so they are heavily invested in him moving forward.

And even if Carolina did have a vacancy under center, it probably wouldn’t represent a viable option for Wilson, as the Panthers went just 2-15 this past season.

Wilson almost certainly prefers to sign with a team that has a chance of contending in 2024, and Carolina would absolutely not provide him with that opportunity..

The nine-time Pro Bowler has spent the last two seasons with the Broncos after Denver swung a blockbuster trade to acquire him from the Seahawks in March 2022.

Russell Wilson suffered through the worst year of his career in his debut campaign in the Mile High City, throwing 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He was significantly better in 2023, finishing with 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight picks in 15 starts, but it seems clear that the best course of action for both sides would be to move on.

Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.