Denver Broncos cutting Russell Wilson, taking $85 million hit

[True Dough]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos have informed nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson they plan to release him, a move that ends a tumultuous two-season run with the team.

"We spoke with 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 Paton said in a joint statement. "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."

Wilson released a statement thanking the city of Denver, several teammates, the team's cafeteria workers and vice president of player development Ray Jackson. He did not mention Payton, Paton or the team's ownership...

Wilson's release will end a disappointing chapter for both sides. The Broncos went 11-19 in Wilson's starts over two seasons and failed to make the playoffs. Payton benched him with two games remaining in 2023, a move that in effect marked the end of the quarterback's career in Denver.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39654399/broncos-cut-russell-wilson-take-85m-dead-money-hit

[RandySF]

1. My dream job.

Someone pays me $85. million just to fire me.

[calguy]

5. I'd do it for a measly million

If the Broncos know a deal when they see one, they'll call me sometime tomorrow. I'll let you know when they offer me a contract.

[True Dough]

6. How about this factoid?

Russell Wilson threw 42 TDs in two years with the Broncos.

That's $2.95M per TD.

[Auggie]

2. Wow, though not quite the blunder the Browns pulled with Watson.

[True Dough]

3. It's not too late

for Cleveland to release Watson and sign Russell Wilson!

[Auggie]

4. That Wilson money is guaranteed. All of it.

Good idea though.