Reports indicate that Russell Wilson’s departure from the Denver Broncos won’t come with any financial favors for the team. According to Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Wilson is keen on assisting his next team by agreeing to a new contract, likely at the veteran’s minimum salary for the 2024 season.
Despite the Broncos owing Wilson a guaranteed $39 million as per his existing contract, there’s a clause that reduces the impact if he receives a higher salary elsewhere. In essence, Wilson stands to receive $39 million regardless of any other offers, giving him no motivation to negotiate for more than the minimum salary for the upcoming season.
The relationship between Wilson and the Broncos soured during his two-year tenure, culminating in a contentious situation last season.
Wilson openly discussed Denver’s threat to bench him if he didn’t forfeit the injury guarantee in his contract for the 2025 season. Refusing to comply, Wilson involved the NFL Players Association, citing his reluctance to set a precedent for players surrendering injury guarantees.
The final two games of the 2023 season saw Wilson benched, paving the way for his departure. With Denver granting him permission to explore options before his impending free agency, Wilson has already engaged with the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers, with potential interest from the Las Vegas Raiders as well.
While the terms of Wilson’s contract for the 2024 season seem straightforward, his ultimate destination may hinge on the guarantees offered for 2025. Despite potential regression from his peak performance, Wilson remained a solid performer last season, maintaining touchdown and interception rates in line with his career averages.
Given that nearly all veteran starters earn upwards of $35 million, Wilson’s willingness to accommodate may primarily extend to the upcoming season.
