In a shocking move, the Denver Broncos announced on Monday that they have released quarterback Russell Wilson, putting an end to a tumultuous era that will go down as one of the most ruinous in NFL history. The Broncos had traded a hefty package to the Seattle Seahawks in March of 2022, hoping to bring a nine-time Pro Bowler and rejuvenate their struggling franchise.

The trade itself will be remembered as one of the most lopsided in NFL history, akin to the infamous Herschel Walker deal. The Seahawks received 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, along with three players - tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, and quarterback Drew Lock. This massive trade was followed by a five-year contract extension for Wilson, worth over $242 million with $161 million guaranteed.

However, the Wilson era in Denver quickly soured. In his first season with the Broncos, Wilson struggled immensely, posting a career-worst 84.4 passer rating and being sacked a league-high 55 times. The team finished with a disappointing 5-12 record, leading to the firing of head coach Nathaniel Hackett. Wilson showed some improvement under new head coach Sean Payton in the following season but was ultimately benched with two games remaining. Reports indicated that the Broncos had threatened to bench Wilson earlier in the season if he did not waive a clause in his contract.

The release of Wilson will have significant financial implications for the Broncos, as parting ways with him will result in an $85 million dead hit to the salary cap. However, it was clear that the Broncos had made the decision to move on from Wilson, despite the financial consequences.

The Wilson era in Denver will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. What was supposed to be a franchise-altering move turned into a nightmare for both Wilson and the Broncos. The team's gamble to acquire a superstar quarterback backfired, leaving them mired in the quarterback abyss once again. Meanwhile, Wilson's hopes of securing a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame have been dashed, as this disastrous stint has tainted his otherwise impressive career.

Only time will tell if the Broncos can recover from this disastrous chapter and if Wilson can salvage his legacy in the final years of his career. But for now, both sides will have to reckon with the consequences of one of the worst trades and contracts in NFL history.