In a surprising turn of events, the Denver Broncos have decided to part ways with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. The decision was reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and later confirmed by the team on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Wilson’s departure will be effective after the commencement of the new league year on March 13.
Russell Wilson’s tenure with the Broncos has been a rollercoaster ride. Acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in a high-profile trade during the 2022 offseason, expectations were already sky-high.
However, the results have been very underwhelming. Over two seasons, Wilson’s leadership saw the Broncos accumulate a 13-21 record. The 2023 season concluded with head coach Sean Payton opting for Jarrett Stidham over Wilson, signaling a potential shift in the team’s strategy.
The Broncos’ decision to release the NFL QB will also have financial implications. Despite owing him a $39 million salary for 2024, they will save on the cap space if Wilson signs with another team.
Furthermore, after signing a five-year, $245 million contract extension, he faced a challenging first season under coach Nathaniel Hackett. The subsequent season saw a slight improvement under Payton’s guidance, but it wasn’t enough to secure his position.
Speculations now suggest Pittsburgh as a possible new home for the Super Bowl-winning quarterback, especially since the Steelers are scheduled to play in Denver next season.
As the Broncos prepare for the future, the focus shifts to finding a quarterback who can lead them back to their winning ways. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson’s next move remains a topic of much interest and speculation in the NFL community.