Before the onset of free agency next week, the Denver Broncos have granted permission for quarterback Russell Wilson, who is set to be released, to engage in discussions and meetings with other teams in their respective cities, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday.
The Denver Broncos officially announced on Monday their decision to inform Wilson of his impending release after the commencement of the 2024 league year next Wednesday. This move effectively concludes Wilson’s turbulent two-season tenure with the team.
Following the Denver Broncos’ announcement, Wilson conveyed a message in a statement, stating, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. God’s got me. I am excited for what’s next.”
https://twitter.com/DangeRussWilson/status/1764764382716731840/photo/1
During his time with the Denver Broncos, Wilson led the team to an 11-19 record in his starts over two seasons, failing to secure a playoff berth. His tenure faced a significant setback when Coach Sean Payton benched him with two games remaining in the 2023 season. Prior to his benching, Russell Wilson had amassed 3,070 passing yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Russell Wilson’s arrival in Denver came with high expectations, as the Denver Broncos inked him to a blockbuster five-year, $242.6 million deal following a trade with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. The release of Wilson will incur an $85 million dead money hit over the next two seasons for the Denver Broncos.
The culmination of the publicized separation likely stemmed from discussions held during the Denver Broncos’ Week 9 bye in 2023 between Russell Wilson, his representatives, and the team. The Denver Broncos reportedly sought a “creative way” for Wilson to waive or adjust a $37 million injury guarantee in his contract. Russell Wilson, aged 35, revealed that he was informed at the time that failure to comply with the team’s financial terms would result in his removal as the starting quarterback.
Denver’s acquisition of Russell Wilson two years ago was a bold move, involving the exchange of five draft picks, including two first-round and two second-round selections, along with three players.
Russell Wilson’s illustrious career began with the Seattle Seahawks, where he spent his first decade, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and clinching a Super Bowl victory. Since being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round in 2012, Wilson has amassed 43,653 passing yards, 334 touchdowns, and 106 interceptions over his career.
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