Russell Wilson gets one significant break from the Broncos in their $85 million divorce.
Russell Wilson is being given an opportunity by the Denver Broncos to gain an advantage in NFL free agency following his release.
Wilson was told by the team on Monday that he will be released on March 13, the first day of the new league year. However, the veteran quarterback has “no issues” with the Broncos speaking with potential teams right away, so as of Monday night, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports, Wilson is effectively a free agent.
The NFL free agency signing period starts on March 13 around 4 p.m. ET, the same day as the new league year.
Although the legal tampering doesn’t start until Monday, Wilson seems to have a slight advantage.
Four days into the new league year, Wilson’s 2025 pay was about to become fully guaranteed when he was cut by the Broncos.
In March 2022, Wilson agreed to a five-year, $242.6 million contract with the Broncos, and the two endured two terrible seasons together.
Following a disastrous blockbuster trade with Seattle, the Broncos will be punished with the highest dead cap hit in league history: $85 million in dead cap charges over the next two years.
Wilson’s future destination is unknown, but it won’t be Pittsburgh, as The Athletic reports that the Steelers, who are still looking for a franchise quarterback following the Ben Roethlisberger era, aren’t interested in the Super Bowl champion.
After Wilson forced his way out of Seattle, where he spent his first ten seasons of football playing, Denver handed a large haul to the Seahawks in exchange for the quarterback’s services: three players and five draft picks, including two first-round selections.
Long before the Wilson-Broncos split became public on Monday, the writing was clearly on the wall.
Wilson’s rapport with Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who was in his first season, soured, and the quarterback was benched for the final two games of the campaign.
Despite leading Denver to an 8-9 record the previous season and a 5-12 record in his first year with the team, he was fired.
In a joint statement released on Monday, general manager George Paton and Payton said, “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 proceed, our goal is to assemble the best team we can for the 2024 campaign and beyond. We can’t wait to get stronger this summer and in the future because to the flexibility provided by the draft and free agency.
Wilson expressed his gratitude to Denver, the fans, and his teammates in a farewell letter.
“Tough people endure tough times,” he said as he wrapped up his speech. God knows me. I am eager to see what comes next. #3.
