ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos have informed nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson that they plan to release him, ending two tumultuous seasons with the team. It will be dripping.
“We talked to Russell Wilson [Monday] to inform him of his release after the start of the league year. [March 13, 4 p.m. ET]” coach Sean Payton and general manager George Payton said in a joint statement. “On behalf of the Broncos, we would like to thank Russell for his service and dedication to our team and community and wish him the best in his career.As we move forward, we look forward to the 2024 season. The focus is on building the strongest team possible. “We are excited to improve this offseason and have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency.”
Wilson released a statement thanking the city of Denver, several of his teammates, the team's cafeteria employees and Vice President of Player Development Ray Jackson. He did not mention Payton, Payton or the team's ownership in his statement.
“Over the past three years, you have welcomed my family and me with open arms and accepted us as part of the Denver community. This city will always have a special place in my heart. “Our family grew up here, creating countless memories and friendships, and forming relationships that will last a lifetime,” he said in a statement.
“To my teammates, thank you for going to war with me and getting through it all. There are so many moments I cherish because of you, and I am so happy for the impact you have had on my life. I can't thank you enough for everything.'' It was an honor to start out as your teammate. ”
He concluded his statement by writing, “Tough times don't last, but tough people do. God help me and I'm excited for what's next.”
Wilson's release would end a disappointing chapter for both sides. The Broncos went 11-19 in the two seasons Wilson started and missed the playoffs. Payton benched Wilson for two games remaining in 2023, a move that effectively ended the quarterback's career in Denver.
The Broncos signed Wilson to a five-year contract worth $242.6 million, but his release will result in $85 million in dead money over the next two seasons.
The Broncos will have to decide in the coming weeks whether to receive the lion's share of that dead money in the '24 or '25 season.
The Broncos went all out to acquire Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks two years ago, sending five draft picks, including two first-round picks and two second-round picks, and three players. .
“It's really unique to be able to trade a quarterback in his prime, a franchise quarterback, and we felt like we had to take that opportunity,” Payton said at the time.
As it turned out, the Broncos couldn't get enough moments with their franchise quarterback. Wilson played under three head coaches in Denver: Nathaniel Hackett and interim Jerry Rosberg in 2022 and Payton in 2023.
Wilson, 35, will hit the free agent market, with teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers potentially targeting the veteran.
“What's important to me is winning. I want to win two in the next two years.” [Super Bowls]”I want to feel the coldness of that trophy again,” Wilson said recently on the “I Am Athlete” podcast. [in] A place where you too need to be. All I want to do is win, that's all I care about. ”
“We're better,” Payton said at the scouting combine when asked about the quest to find the answer at quarterback long-term.
After last year's offseason and training camp in which Payton promised to build an offense around Wilson that played to the quarterback's strengths, the Broncos opened the season 1-5.
The turning point in the highly publicized football divorce was likely a conversation between Wilson, his agent and the Broncos during the 2023 team's Week 9 bye. The Broncos claim they wanted to find a “creative way” to waive Wilson. His contract reportedly includes $37 million in injury guarantees.
Wilson said at the time that he and his agent were told if they didn't make a financial play, he would be removed as a starter.
“They definitely told me I was going to be benched,” Wilson said late in the season.
The Broncos, including Payton and owner/CEO Greg Penner, said discussions about finances and possible salary cap relief were done in “good faith” and that they have never signed such a lucrative long-term contract. He said this is common in leagues between teams and players. Term contract.
“That didn't happen again. In Week 17, Sean, our fast forward, was replaced at quarterback,” Payton said. “This was a football decision that Sean made and what he thought was in the best interest of the team.'' This is completely independent of any conversations I had with my agent. ”