The ascent and descent of Russell Wilson make for a captivating narrative.
At 34 years old, Russell Wilson’s future with the Denver Broncos appears uncertain, as suggested by ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano.
Wilson, who has recorded a 5-16 win-loss record as the Broncos’ starting quarterback since signing a lucrative five-year, $245 million contract extension, is consuming a significant portion of the team’s salary cap, which could otherwise be allocated to assist in the team’s reconstruction.
Rebuilding has proven to be a formidable challenge for the Broncos, given that their last winning season dates all the way back to 2016.
“I think the Broncos have to bite the bullet and cut him before the 2025 guarantees kick in next March,” Graziano said.
“Designate him a post-June 1 cut, take the $35.4 million dead money hit in 2024, another $49 million or so in 2025 and draft a QB to rebuild around.
“This is a bigger project than I think coach Sean Payton expected, and a reset is probably the best way to go. If you’re going to have a quarterback on a rookie deal for the next couple of seasons, you can afford to absorb those dead money hits.”
Sean Payton has undeniably faced challenges with Russell Wilson this season. Payton’s frustration has been evident in his animated exchanges with the quarterback on the sidelines during games and his thinly veiled criticisms of the nine-time Pro Bowler in post-game remarks.
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Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that Sean Payton appeared to remain supportive of Wilson after Denver’s defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, Russell threw for a mere 95 yards and had two interceptions.
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, on the other hand, concurs with Graziano’s evaluation of the quarterback situation in Denver.
“Plus, that 2025 salary is guaranteed for injury, which deepens the intrigue if the Broncos continue to slide this season,” he told Graziano.
“Would Payton pull him for Jarrett Stidham? The Denver coach seemed smitten when discussing Stidham’s ceiling at the NFL owners meetings in March. That would be a drastic move, but one that could make sense on a financial level if the losses pile up into mid-to-late November.”
When you consider that Jarrett Stidham is under a modest two-year, $10 million contract with the Broncos, while Russell Wilson’s contract demands rise to $39 million, $37 million, $40 million, $45 million, and $50 million if played out in full (with an opt-out option after the 2025 season), making that change might indeed be a worthwhile move. After all, with a 1-5 record so far in 2023, it’s hard to imagine things getting much worse.
This perspective sheds light on why Pete Carroll was swift to allow Russell Wilson to depart Seattle.
