06 March 2024 , 01:00
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Russell Wilson, the quarterback for Denver Broncos, is set to receive a big pay day despite confirmation that he will be released by the franchise, just a couple of years on from his arrival at the franchise.
The 35 year old was traded from Seattle to Denver for a huge sum of players and draft picks, and is still due his £39 million salary for 2024. However, any money he earns from another team will be taken off this amount.
The Broncos will also have to pay a record £89m in dead cap charges over the next two seasons. With Wilson a free agent, the Pittsburgh Steelers have already been suggested as a new home for Wilson.
Despite helping the Broncos turn their season around after a poor start, Wilson was released with reports a disagreement with the franchise paved the way for his departure.
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Wilson claimed that the Broncos threatened to bench him for the final nine games if he didn't delay his £37m injury guarantee in his contract. He said no and played seven more games before being benched.
The head coach, Sean Payton, said at the time it was a 'footballing decision'.
"We spoke with Russell Wilson today to inform him of his release after the start of the league year," an official joint statement from GM George Paton and Payton read.
"On behalf of the Broncos, we thank Russell for his contributions and dedication to our team and community while wishing him the best as he continues his career. As we move forward, we are focused on building the strongest team possible for the 2024 season and beyond. We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency."
The Broncos have decided to move Wilson on, two years on from a huge trade with the Seattle Sehawks (Getty)The Broncos hold the 12th overall pick in this April's NFL Draft. It's unclear at this point whether Denver will go with a rookie quarterback to lead their team or target a veteran. Either way it appears a new starting quarterback is top of their off-season agenda.
National champion J. J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines has been talked about as a top option, and following an excellent NFL Combine his draft stock may have risen. Michael Penix Jr. or even Bo Nix could be solid draft options for Denver or they could look to free agency.
Or, they could decide to trade up to get their hands on Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels who are expected to be selected inside the top five. Veteran free agents Jacoby Brissett, Ryan Tannehill, Jameis Winston, Gardner Minshew, or Tyrod Taylor offer short-term solutions due to limited cap space.