In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves throughout the NFL, the Denver Broncos announced they will be parting ways with star quarterback Russell Wilson. The news comes as a surprise to many fans and analysts alike, marking the end of a brief but highly anticipated chapter in Broncos history. The Broncos are going to cut the quarterback come March 13th, the team said on Monday.
Wilson was brought to Denver to be the answer at quarterback after years of the team searching. The giant trade and massive extension he subsequently signed, will wind up as two of the worst moves in the Denver Broncos storied history. The team will face a ginormous $85 million dead money figure on their cap, the LARGEST dead money hit in NFL HISTORY. The team has the option to spread that money out over two years with figures of $35.4 million in 2024 and $49.6 million in 2025. Due to the nature of Wilson’s contract, it was actually more affordable for the Broncos to cut Rusell Wilson this spring than it would be next spring, meaning the improving play was just not enough to move the needle for Penner and staff.
The decision to move on from Wilson seemed like it had already been made when he was benched by Sean Payton for what the coach claimed were, “football reasons.” The benching appears to have stemmed from the team wanting to adjust Wilson’s contract language, which clearly turned into a nasty feud.
