According to reports, quarterback Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos is anticipated to be released before the start of the free-agency period in March, clearing an NFL record $85 million in dead money in the process.
Wilson was benched for the final two games of the regular season in favour of Jarrett Stidham, but according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN, “almost no one in the league” expects the Broncos to keep Wilson.
In 2024, Wilson will receive $39 million no matter what the Broncos decide. Denver will most likely act before March 18, when his $37 million pay for 2025 is guaranteed.
In order to give himself the best chance to pursue other choices on the open market, Wilson would probably prefer that Denver cut him as soon as possible. Since the window for legal tampering does not open until March 11, Wilson may have a few weeks to work out a new residence and talk with teams before other parties become involved.
Ryan Tannehill, Baker Mayfield, and Kirk Cousins are the top veterans eligible for free agency this spring.
Wilson would come in below Cousins on most rankings of the best alternatives available, assuming all else is equal. When Wilson arrived in Denver two years ago with a Hall of Fame resume and was hailed as the last piece in a potential Super Bowl puzzle, that would have been practically unheard of. As an alternative, Wilson’s two seasons with the Broncos were a complete bust. The nine-time Pro Bowler had a terrible 2022 and a mediocre 2023.
Given that Wilson finished with 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, it’s safe to assume that most teams would have been okay with his counting figures.
However, following Week 3’s 70-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins, Wilson failed to record a 300-yard passing game, which left Broncos coach Sean Payton continually dissatisfied.
Wilson is still a reliable NFL starter who unexpectedly won’t break the bank, even though he is undoubtedly not the quarterback who guided the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl. There would be hope for an offensive revival if a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to intercept Wilson and sign him for a three-year, $75 million contract.
