Earlier than the 2022 season started, Russell Wilson inked a five-year, $245 million extension with the Denver Broncos that was set to enter impact this season, however he was launched by the crew earlier than that extension started.
When free company opened up earlier this month, the Broncos launched Wilson, and some days later, he discovered a brand new residence in Pittsburgh with the Steelers.
Denver nonetheless must fork up $39 million for Wilson this season alone (they’ve already paid $85 million of the $124 million he was assured at signing). His launch additionally resulted in a useless cap hit of $85 million for the following two years.
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Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos talks to Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos previous to a sport in opposition to the Miami Dolphins at Exhausting Rock Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Pictures)
Usually, all these components would halt groups from releasing a participant, however the Broncos felt it was vital, even with the cash owed.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton was requested if it was “troublesome” to let him go due to the useless cap hit and different cash owed to him — and he was extraordinarily blunt.
“No.”
Head Coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos throughout heat up in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Candice Ward/Getty Pictures)
The Broncos acquired Wilson in a blockbuster commerce from the Seattle Seahawks earlier than the beginning of the 2022 season. Denver gave up a number of draft picks together with Noah Fant, Shelby Harris and Drew Lock within the deal.
The Broncos employed Payton to exchange Nathaniel Hackett after they went 5-12 within the 2022 season, however Wilson finally misplaced his job to Jarrett Stidham regardless of having a vital win over the eventual Tremendous Bowl champion Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.
Wilson performed in 15 video games in the course of the 2023 season. He had 3,070 passing yards, 26 landing passes and eight interceptions.
Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos warms up previous to an NFL soccer sport in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Subject at Mile Excessive on December 31, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Perry Knotts/Getty Pictures)
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The Steelers made a stunning transfer in buying and selling for Justin Fields, as properly. The crew has reportedly mentioned Fields will again up Wilson, however many do not consider that would be the case for lengthy, if in any respect.
Fox Information’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
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