At the commencement of the new league year on March 13, quarterback Russell Wilson will be released, capping a thrilling two-year stint in Denver during which the Broncos took on a record-breaking dead-cap charge of $85 million.
The Broncos told Wilson on Monday that they would be cutting him, letting him go before his deal, which included $37 million in guaranteed money for the 2025 campaign, was finalized.
The head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton released a statement together on Monday that read, “We spoke with Russell Wilson today to inform him of his release after the start of the league year.”
“The Broncos would like to thank Russell for his services to our club and community and wish him the best of luck in his future professional endeavors. Our goal going forward is to assemble the best team we can for the 2024 season and beyond.
We can’t wait to get stronger this summer and in the future because to the flexibility provided by the draft and free agency. Wilson’s 2024 compensation of $39 million was predetermined.
In addition to thanking Broncos supporters, a number of players, and staff members, Wilson released a message of his own. “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do,” he said. God knows me. I am eager to see what comes next. Prior to the 2022 season, Wilson—a nine-time Pro Bowl selection—was obtained from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for three players and five draft picks.
Before he played a down for the team, the Broncos extended his contract for a another five years at a cost of $242.5 million. Wilson had an 11-19 record in 30 starts with the Broncos, but he was benched for the final two games of the 2023 season in order to prevent an injury that would have triggered guarantees in his contract. In 2022, Wilson completed 16 throws for touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
He put up strong stats in his debut season under head coach Payton (26 touchdowns, 8 interceptions) following Nathaniel Hackett’s firing, but the Broncos decided to go in a different way.
