The Denver Broncos on Monday announced they will release Russell Wilson after a tumultuous two seasons on the roster.
“We spoke to Russell Wilson today to inform him of his release after the start of the league year,” the team said in a statement.
The Broncos thanked Wilson, 35, for his hard work, commitment and contributions. It went on, “We are focused on building the strongest team possible for the 2024 season and beyond.”
Wilson was part of a blockbuster trade-and-salary deal in 2022 that brought him on board from the Seattle Seahawks where he spent the first ten years of his career. Denver had signed Wilson to a five-year, $245 million extension, NBCSports.com reported.
Wilson was a part of a trade that will no doubt go down as the worst in NFL history. The deal was completely one sided in the Seahawks favor and not as beneficial as the franchise wanted, “Around the NFL” reported. The team went 13-21 during Wilson’s tenure with the Broncos, and for the final two games of last season, head coach Sean Payton benched Wilson and started Jarrett Stidham instead.
In 2023, Wilson completed 66.4% of his passes for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
The timing of the release is crucial and means the team can avoid paying a boatload of money, $37 million guarantee in 2025. They are still under contract to pay Wilson $39 million for 2024, NBCSports.com reported.
By releasing him after the start of the league year on March 13 but designating Wilson as a post-June 1 release, the Broncos can also spread the payout committed to his contract over multiple seasons and soften the blow on the team’s salary cap, according to NBCSports.com.
Embed from Getty ImagesWilson’s NFL career started with a roar in 2012 with a season at the Seahawks during which he matched Peyton Manning’s record, which he set in 1998, for most touchdown passes, 26, thrown by a rookie in a single season.
Fans voted Wilson the league’s Rookie of the Year.
Seattle head coach Pete Carroll drafted Wilson in the third round from the University of Wisconsin after the quarterback transferred from North Carolina State University.
While playing for his high school team, Wilson attended the Manning Passing Academy founded by Peyton Manning, former Indianapolis Colts and Broncos quarterback.
Wilson released a statement thanking the city of Denver, several teammates, the team’s cafeteria workers and vice president of player development Ray Jackson. He conveniently omitted Payton, GM George Paton and the team’s ownership, the Walton-Penner Group.
Wilson said in a statement following Monday’s announcement, “Broncos Country, Thank You!”
“Over these last three 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,” he wrote in the statement.
“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 had 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.”
“Tough times don’t last, but tough people do,” he said. “God’s got me. I’m excited for what’s next.”
