Denver Broncos Are Done With Russell Wilson After 2-Year Run

It's goodbye to the Broncos for Russell Wilson.

After trading for him to join the Denver Broncos as the team’s quarterback, the NFL team has decided to cut ties with Russell Wilson after two lackluster seasons.

The Broncos released a statement from the team’s general manager, George Paton, and head coach, Sean Payton, that as of March 13, Wilson will no longer be a member of the Broncos.

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

Wilson took to social media to thank Broncos Country, several teammates, and a few individuals.

Thank You Broncos Country 🙏🏾 – #3 pic.twitter.com/3IoVheYVyI

— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 4, 2024

Based on the contract given to Wilson, the team will pay for the move, as they will have to absorb a $39 million hit. They will also avoid having to pay Wilson a guaranteed $37 million for the 2025 season, which would have taken effect this month. Releasing him now also means that the team will take on $85 million in total dead salary cap through the next two years, making this the largest dead cap hit in NFL history, according to NFL.com. A dead salary cap is “whatever winds up being left over from a cut player’s contract in guarantees. That includes remaining bonus money and any salary figures he would be due later.”

The trade was an expected move, as it was reported in December 2023 that Wilson knew about it. A source stated that two months earlier, on Oct. 29, the Broncos contacted Wilson’s representatives after they beat the Kansas City Chiefs and informed them that the starting quarterback would lose the starting job. They were also told that he would be inactive for the rest of the season if he did not defer the injury guarantee trigger date that he has for 2025.

After being traded to the Broncos from the Seattle Seahawks in September 2022, Wilson inked a five-year, $245 million contract.

The Super Bowl-winning quarterback had an 11-19 record while starting 30 games for the franchise. Wilson completed 63.3% of his throws for 6,594 yards and had 42 touchdowns with 19 interceptions. Although the two seasons with the Broncos are considered a bust, his prior stats should lead to a team wanting his skill set. The nine-time Pro Bowl player will be entering his 13th season in the NFL. Wilson is the only player in NFL history with at least 40,000 passing yards and 5,000 rushing yards.