Broncos QB Russell Wilson‘s time is up in Denver. According to reports, the team notified the quarterback that they will be moving on from him after just two seasons.
ESPN Senior NFL insider Adam Schefter announced the news on X, saying, “Broncos notified QB Russell Wilson that he will be released after the league year begins March 13.”
In a second post, Schefter shared a statement from Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton and Denver’s GM George Paton about moving past Wilson and making the team stronger for the 2024 season.
“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,” Paton and Payton said in a joint statement.
Russell Wilson will get $39M in cash from the #Broncos in 2024. This means he could potentially sign with a new team for the NFL minimum, as any new contract he signs would be coming off that $39M.
That alone makes him one of the most fascinating QB free agents in a long time.… https://t.co/s0cnSdJFom pic.twitter.com/aAFQyePrmi
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 4, 2024
“As we move forward, we are focused on building the strongest team possible for the 2024 season and beyond,” the statement added. “We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency.”
A short time later, the former Seattle Seahawks QB posted a letter on X to Broncos fans and the community he had called home, even though it was just for a short time.
“Over the last two years you have welcomed my family and me with open arms and have embraced us as members of the Denver community,” Wilson’s statement read. “This city will always hold a special place in my heart.”
“Our family grew here,” he added. “We made countless memories and friendships and formed relationships that will last a lifetime.”
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He then thanked his teammates and closed out his lengthy letter by writing, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. God’s got me. I am excited for what’s next.”
Noticeably absent from Wilson’s letter to the city and fans was anything about the Broncos head coach or GM.
By releasing Wilson in March, Denver will avoid a $37 million guaranteed trigger for the 2025 season that would’ve taken effect this month, but they still will owe him the $39 million he’s guaranteed this season regardless, Yahoo Sports noted.
And the team will take on $85 million in total dead salary cap over the next two years by releasing him, the NFL reported.
In March 2022, Seattle traded Wilson to the Broncos. He is 35 years old and is entering his 13th season in the NFL.