After two seasons, the Denver Broncos announced the release of Russell Wilson on March 4, 2024
FOLLOWING a nine-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos.
Almost two years into his time with the latter team, the franchise decided to cut the Super Bowl winner.
2Russell Wilson pictured at the Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs game in October 2023Credit: GettyWhat team did Russell Wilson play for?
On March 16, 2022, the Seattle Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in exchange for Drew Lock, Shelby Harris, and Noah Fant.
By September 1 of the same year, Wilson signed a five-year contract with the Broncos estimated to be $242 million.
In a statement, the NFL quarterback said, “For me, this has been an amazing journey.
“I remember being up on the stage not too long ago and talking about the visions, and the goals, and the missions.
“I think the best part of it all is when you’re around some amazing people, amazing teammates who are so dedicated to the craft, it makes this that much more enjoyable.
“I believe this is a marriage, and you want to be here for a long time, and my goal is to be able to finish my career here.
“It’s not really about me, it’s about being surrounded by guys who want to put the work in every single day and the dedication to it.”
The Super Bowl champion added, “People are going to doubt us throughout the season, people are going to praise us throughout the season, people are going to say this and say that.
“But our process on who we are and who we are trying to be and how we’re going to learn and be the best version of ourselves, that’s all that matters.”
Why was Russell Wilson cut by the Broncos?
The Broncos announced the release of Wilson on social media on March 4, 2024.
“We are focused on building the strongest team possible for the 2024 season and beyond,” they wrote in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency.”
The decision comes after the Broncos benched the quarterback for the last two games of the 2023 NFL season.
Regarding their decision to bench Wilson, the team explained they benched him to “preserve financial flexibility.”
According to Wilson, the team came to its resolution to avoid adhering to his contract’s injury clause for future seasons.
At a press conference, he shared, “I was definitely disappointed about it.
“They came up to me during the bye week and beginning of the bye week, Monday or Tuesday…
“…They told me if I didn’t change my contract, my injury guarantee, that I’d be benched the rest of the year.
“It was a process for the whole bye week. We had just come off beating the Chiefs.
“I was excited for us fighting for the playoffs and getting on a hot streak.
“The NFLPA and NFL got involved or whatever at some point.”
2After nine years with the Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson was drafted by the Denver BroncosCredit: GettyHow much will the Denver Broncos pay Russell Wilson?
Despite letting Russell Wilson go, the Denver Broncos will still owe their former quarterback a hefty sum of money.
The NFL Network reported that the Broncos will owe Wilson a total of $85 million, which can be paid across two seasons.
The insider report showed that Wilson would still be owed $39 million for the 2024 season, and $46 million for the following year.
With the release, Denver might pay an NFL record $85 million in dead money, but won’t be on the hook for an extra $37 million fully guaranteed to Wilson.
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