DENVER — The Denver Broncos announced they will release quarterback Russell Wilson on Monday after he spent just two seasons with the team.
Denver released Wilson to avoid triggering a $37 million guarantee in his contract for the 2025 season. Even after the release, the Broncos will pay Wilson $39 million in 2024.
“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," Broncos coach Sean Payton said in a statement on Monday. "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."
The release completes a stunning reversal of fortune after Denver traded a 2022 first-round pick, a 2022 second-round pick, a 2022 fifth-round pick, a 2023 first-round pick, a 2023 second-round pick, tight end Noah Fant, defensive end Shelby Harris and quarterback Drew Lock to the Seahawks to lock up Wilson as its franchise quarterback.
Instead, Denver will foot the bill for nearly $40 million in the upcoming season and have no postseason appearances to show for its gambit.
In two seasons with the Broncos, Wilson won just 11 of his 30 starts. The former All-Pro quarterback threw for a career-worst 16 interceptions with the Broncos in his first season and was sacked an NFL-most 55 times. Wilson improved upon his touchdowns (26) and interceptions (eight) totals in 2023, but it was still not enough to lead the Broncos to a capable offense. Denver averaged 21.0 points per game last season, good for 19th in the NFL, a far cry from the team's ambitions when they originally acquired Wilson.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks invested in Geno Smith as Wilson's replacement at a fraction of the cost. Smith has thrown for 50 touchdowns in the past two seasons, eclipsing Wilson's mark with the Broncos by eight touchdowns. For his breakout performance, Seattle guaranteed Smith's $12.7 million base salary for 2024, cementing him as the team's top quarterback while the Broncos look to find another solution in free agency or through the draft.
While Wilson struggled with his new team, several of the Seahawks' draft picks acquired from the trade (Charles Cross, Devon Witherspoon, Boye Mafe) were important contributors on a team that made the 2022 postseason and nearly made it again in 2023.
Now Wilson, nearing 36 years old, will look to find another NFL team to resuscitate his career.