The Denver Broncos have made the decision to release quarterback Russell Wilson after a tumultuous two-season run with the team. Before his official release, the Broncos have granted Wilson permission to speak and meet with other teams in their home cities. This move comes just before the start of free agency next week.
The Broncos made the announcement on Monday, informing Wilson that he would be released once the 2024 league year begins on March 13. Wilson, in response to the news, released a statement expressing his optimism for the future. He said, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. God’s got me. I am excited for what’s next.”
During his time with the Broncos, Wilson struggled to find success on the field. The team went 11-19 in his starts over two seasons and failed to make the playoffs. Coach Sean Payton even benched him with two games remaining in the 2023 season, effectively marking the end of Wilson’s career in Denver. Prior to his benching, Wilson had thrown for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
The Broncos signed Wilson to a massive five-year, $242.6 million deal after acquiring him in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. However, due to his release, the team will now face an $85 million hit in dead money over the next two seasons.
The tipping point in the strained relationship between Wilson and the Broncos likely came during a conversation between Wilson, his representatives, and the team during their Week 9 bye. The Broncos claim that they wanted to find a “creative way” for Wilson to waive or adjust a $37 million injury guarantee in his contract. It seems that if Wilson and his representatives didn’t comply with the team’s financial requests, he would be pulled as the starter.
Despite the disappointing outcome in Denver, Wilson had an impressive career prior to joining the Broncos. He spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, where he was selected to nine Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl. Since being drafted by the Seahawks in the third round in 2012, Wilson has thrown for 43,653 yards with 334 touchdowns and 106 interceptions.
The Broncos took a significant risk in acquiring Wilson from the Seahawks, giving up five draft picks, including two first-round and two second-round selections, as well as three players. Unfortunately, the gamble did not pay off for the team.
As Wilson now enters free agency, he will have the opportunity to explore other options and potentially find a new team to continue his career. It remains to be seen which teams will show interest in signing the veteran quarterback, but Wilson’s impressive track record and experience make him an attractive prospect for many organizations.
In conclusion, the Denver Broncos have decided to release quarterback Russell Wilson after a disappointing two-season run with the team. Wilson has been granted permission to speak and meet with other teams in their home cities before his official release. This move comes just before the start of free agency next week, and Wilson will now have the opportunity to explore other options and find a new team to continue his career. Despite the lack of success in Denver, Wilson’s impressive career prior to joining the Broncos makes him an attractive prospect for many organizations. It will be interesting to see where he lands and how he will contribute to his new team.
