NFL

Broncos inform QB Wilson he'll be released

By Sports Desk March 04, 2024

The Russell Wilson era in Denver opened with such excitement and hope for the Broncos.

Just two years later, it's ending with considerable disappointment.

The Broncos announced on Monday that they will release Wilson after the start of the new league year, which begins on March 13.

"On behalf of the Broncos, we thank Russell for his contributions and dedication to our team and community while wishing him the best as he continues his career," Broncos GM George Paton and coach Sean Payton said in a statement released by the team.

"As we move forward, we are focused on building the strongest team possible for the 2024 season and beyond. We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency.”

The decision to cut Wilson allows Denver to save an extra $37million in guaranteed money for 2025, though he is still guaranteed $39million for the 2024 season.

 

The Broncos paid a hefty price to acquire Wilson in March of 2022, in a deal that will go down as one of the biggest trade busts in NFL history.

Denver sent two first-round draft picks, two second-round draft picks, a third-round selection and three players to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for the nine-time Pro Bowler.

Then shortly before the start of the 2022 season - before he had even played a game for the Broncos - the team signed Wilson to a massive five-year extension worth more than $242million.

The trade looked to be doomed from the start as Wilson struggled mightily in his first season in Denver as the Broncos finished last in the AFC West with a 5-12 record in 2022.

After throwing 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and compiling a career-worst 84.4 QB rating in 2022, Wilson had 26 TDs and eight picks in 2023 for a 98.0 rating - eighth best in the NFL.

Although he played better this past season, Denver opted to bench Wilson for its final two games with a play-off berth nearly out of reach.

The Broncos split their final two contests and ended up missing the play-offs for the eighth year in a row.

Wilson, who led Seattle to a Super Bowl championship following the 2013 season, will turn 36 in November, and will likely be able to find another starting job after a nice bounce-back season in 2023.

 

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