The Denver Broncos announced their plans for quarterback Russell Wilson on Monday afternoon. Millions of dollars were on the line in the decision to keep or release Wilson before the 2024 season.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton said last week the Broncos would make a decision on Wilson’s fate before free agency started. They made the decision soon after the 2024 NFL Combine was completed.
The Denver Broncos announce their plans for Russell Wilson
Per a statement by GM George Paton and Payton with the Broncos, the team told Wilson he would be released at the beginning of the league’s new year:
“We spoke with Russell Wilson today to inform him of his release after the start of the league year. 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.
“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.”
We’ve notified QB Russell Wilson that he will be released after the league year begins March 13.
A statement from GM George Paton and HC Sean Payton: pic.twitter.com/EJO5mNMjew
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) March 4, 2024
The Denver Broncos will be left with a $39 million bill
Per Tom Pelissero with the NFL Network, the Broncos are set to eat $39 million for Wilson during the 2024 season. Wilson will count $85 million in dead cap for the Broncos over the next two seasons. $49 million will count against their cap for the 2025 season.
Assuming Russell Wilson is designated a post-June 1 cut, the aftermath looks like this for the #Broncos …
2024:
$39 million cash*, $35.4M cap2025:
$0 cash, $49.6M cap2026:
Off booksA $255.4M salary cap makes that pill go down a little easier …
(*Minus offsets)
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 4, 2024
That’s a significant amount of money to eat for a quarterback who was playing like a top-ten quarterback before the team decided to bench him at the end of the season over fears an injury could cost them guaranteed money for the 2024 season. The Broncos tried to strong-arm Wilson into signing a worse deal during the 2023 season, but the veteran quarterback smartly looked out for his own interest.
Russell Wilson says goodbye to the Broncos
Wilson might have had issues with the team’s management (indeed, many fans do with how they handled the Wilson era), but he left with a classy message for the city.
Wilson sent a message to Broncos fans, members of the staff, and the team:
“Broncos Country, Thank You! Over these last two years, you have welcomed my family and me with open arms and have embraced us as members of the Denver community. This city will always hold a special place in my heart. Our family grew here, we made countless memories and friendships, and formed relationships that will last a lifetime.
To my teammates, thank you for going to battle together and for being there through it all. There are so many moments I cherish because of you and I am blessed for the impact you have made on my life. I am beyond grateful for all of you and to have been able to run out as your teammate was an honor. Court, I’ll never forget your one-handed catch in LA and your toe tap in Buffalo.
Bolles, you always wrapping your arm around me win or lose. Brandon Johnson your relentless work ethic. Jeu you snagging and high pointing that ball vs KC! Javonte and Tim… y’all always being positive in the midst of injury but fighting daily to be back! Jaleel, you running to the end zone every practice…
I still think Burton’s got you though! Alex, from picking you up years ago to seeing you shine! To the OLine dinners at Los Dos! To everyone helping like Lamar, making sure I had all of the film and cut ups.
To Harry & Cole – the best pregame warmups! I’ll never forget Wendy & Brandy in the cafeteria! Daily bringing the good food, but the even better jams! Thank you for always being uplifting.Finally, to Ray, Aka Pastor Ray Jackson. Thanks for your countless prayers. Daily. To give God the praise daily and us getting on the floor to thank Jesus for breath in the good times and the bad times.
HE always gets the glory!Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.
God’s got me.
I am excited for what’s next.”
Thank You Broncos Country 🙏🏾 – #3 pic.twitter.com/3IoVheYVyI
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 4, 2024
Wilson will be a highly coveted quarterback in free agency. Not only would a team be getting a quarterback who was playing at a high-level last season, but they can sign Wilson to the vet minimum and stick the Broncos with the rest of the bill.
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