The Denver Broncos made a blockbuster trade for Russell Wilson in 2021, with the expectation that he would become their long-term quarterback. It has been two full seasons, and Denver still has not made the playoffs or finished above .500.
In his first season, the entire team was a complete mess. Newly hired HC Nathaniel Hackett was fired after a 37-point loss to the Rams on Christmas Day, ending the season with a 5-12 record. Big changes were made in the off-season, as they hired Sean Payton as the new head coach. In free agency, they spent the most out of any team completely revamping the offensive line.
In 2022, Wilson bounced back and led the Broncos to a five-game winning streak, but was then in essence benched and the media was all over it.
Denver Broncos: How Salary Cap Comes In
After the loss to the New England Patriots on Christmas Eve, the Broncos announced that Jared Stidham would get the start. Sean Payton said he felt that making a change at QB would provide a much-needed spark. Further reports clarified that he was benched due to the injury clause in his contract. If he were unable to pass a physical on the fifth day of the new league year, he would be owed another $37 million.
In the final two games, they went 1-1, finishing the season with a 8-9 record. Wilson’s future in Denver changed rapidly, now not expected to return, At first it was unrealistic, although the expanded cap space makes it possible. An additional $30.6 million increase for each team.
With this, the Broncos could release him and absorb almost all the dead money.
Some potential dead cap math regarding #Broncos and QB Russell Wilson for 2024
Post-June 1: $35.4 million is 13.9% of $255.4 million (was 14.6% of previously projected $242 million)
Post-June 1 alt: $53 million is 20.8% (was 21.9%)
Entire hit: $85 million is 33.3% (was 35.1%)
— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) February 23, 2024
Denver Broncos: Who will be the QB in 2024?
With Russell Wilson expected to be on a new team next season, Denver will look to turn to the NFL Draft. Atop the list is JJ McCarthy, Bo Nix, and Drake Maye. Sean Payton has said that they {Denver} will need to “fall in love” with one of the prospects. Denver has not ruled out the possibility of trading up or down, as they are evaluating all options. Latest reports have said that Payton likes Michigan QB JJ McCarthy, who has shot up draft boards.
Both Nix and McCarthy are expected to throw and work out at the 2024 NFL Combine. Sean Payton along with George Paton will get a better look at two potential targets. As for Russell Wilson, his status with the team remains the same. The Pittsburgh Steelers are emerging as the top candidate if Wilson is released, as he could be the gunslinger they’re lacking.
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