The Denver Broncos informed Russell Wilson on Monday of their intention to release him next week, just 18 months after signing the Super Bowl-winning quarterback to a lucrative five-year, $242 million contract extension.
Despite the pending release, the Broncos still owe Wilson his $39 million salary for 2024, minus any potential earnings if he signs with another team, likely at the veteran’s minimum salary of $1.21 million.
One potential destination for Wilson is Pittsburgh, especially since the Steelers are scheduled to face Denver next season.
However, the Broncos will incur a record $89 million hit in dead cap charges over the next two seasons due to Wilson’s release.
Wilson experienced a resurgence last season under new head coach Sean Payton, throwing for 26 touchdowns with eight interceptions in 15 games. However, Payton benched him for Jarrett Stidham in the final two games, which ended with a 1-1 record, leaving the Broncos at 8-9 for the season – their seventh consecutive losing season and eighth consecutive year missing the playoffs.
Payton hinted at an impending split during the NFL scouting combine last week, emphasizing the need for a quarterback who can lead the Broncos back to contention.
Wilson, who had previously been silent on social media at Payton’s request, resumed sharing workout videos over the weekend and removed all Broncos references from his profile.
Acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in 2022, where he won a Super Bowl title after the 2013 season, Wilson arrived in Denver with high expectations. However, his tenure was marred by challenges, including a 4-11 record in his first season under coach Nathaniel Hackett, who was later fired.
Despite efforts to focus on his performance, including dialing back his social media presence and arriving at training camp 20 pounds lighter, Wilson’s time in Denver was tumultuous. He started the 2024 season with a 7-8 record before being benched.
Wilson claimed the Broncos threatened to bench him for the remaining nine games if he didn’t adjust his contract to push back his $37 million injury guarantee. Refusing to make changes, he started seven more games before being benched again.
Wilson’s $37 million salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed if he remained on the Broncos’ roster beyond March 13, the start of the league’s new year.
