Russell Wilson Given Permission to Explore Options as Denver Broncos Prepare to Release Him
ICARO Media Group
In a surprising turn of events, the Denver Broncos have reportedly given Russell Wilson the green light to speak with other teams ahead of his impending release next week. ESPN has confirmed that Wilson, who spent two seasons with the Broncos, was informed by the team that he would be released on Wednesday, marking the start of the new league year.
During his tenure with the Broncos, Wilson struggled to make a significant impact, with the team posting a disappointing 11-19 record. Head coach Sean Payton even benched him for the final two games of his brief stint in Denver. Despite the challenges, Wilson managed to accumulate 3,070 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in the last season.
In a statement, the 35-year-old quarterback expressed his determination and faith in overcoming difficult times, saying, "Tough times don't last, but tough people do. God's got me. I am excited for what's next."
The fallout between Wilson and the Broncos has been a highly publicized affair, echoing the drama surrounding his initial move to Denver. After spending a decade with the Seattle Seahawks, where he achieved notable success including nine Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl victory, the relationship had soured and both sides sought a fresh start.
Denver made an ambitious move, trading multiple draft picks and players, including three first-rounders, two second-rounders, and a fifth-rounder, along with three players, to acquire Wilson from the Seahawks on March 16, 2022. Subsequently, the Broncos signed him to a lucrative five-year, $242.6 million extension on September 1, 2022.
However, with Wilson's impending release, the Broncos will have to cope with a considerable financial burden. Over the next two seasons, they will be faced with a staggering $85 million in dead money resulting from the release.
As Wilson prepares to explore his options with other teams, the quarterback market is expected to generate significant interest in his services. With his proven track record and leadership qualities, Wilson is poised to make a significant impact wherever he ends up.
While the divorce between Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos did not pan out as both parties had hoped, the future looks promising for the talented quarterback as he embarks on the next chapter of his football journey.