In a surprising move, the Denver Broncos announced the release of quarterback Russell Wilson.
This decision ends an era that began with high hopes but ultimately led to disappointment. Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler, leaves the team after a tumultuous two-year tenure marked by ups and downs.
The Broncos traded for Wilson from the Seahawks in March 2022. They gave him a five-year contract worth $242.6 million.
However, his first season in Denver ended disastrously, ranking 27th out of 33 qualified players in quarterback rating. The team ended last in the AFC West at 5-12. This led to the firing of head coach Nathaniel Hackett.
Russell Wilson explaining the Broncos contract situation on I AM ATHLETE podcast pic.twitter.com/LvjhrdFdir
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Under new head coach Sean Payton, the Broncos improved slightly in 2023.
Despite a tough start with a 1-5 record, the Broncos managed five consecutive wins, including against AFC playoff teams.
This winning streak brought Denver back into playoff contention. However, the team couldn’t maintain this form and ended the season with a 1-3 record, dashing playoff hopes.
The Broncos decided to release Wilson on December 27. They named Jarrett Stidham as the starting QB for the last two games to boost the offense.
Financial reasons influenced the decision. Releasing Wilson frees up money for the Broncos, avoiding $37 million in guaranteed salaries due in March 2024.
Wilson’s release costs the Broncos $85 million in dead capital. Now a free agent, he seeks a new team. Despite Denver’s challenges, he improved, completing 66.4% of his passes for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns, with only eight interceptions. This ranked him seventh in NFL quarterback rating.
The Broncos must rebuild their quarterback roster for 2024. Wilson looks to continue his career with a new team. His experience and skills make him an attractive candidate for teams seeking quarterback reinforcement.