When the Denver Broncos decided to move on from quarterback Russell Wilson this spring, they knew it would be a costly decision.
Wilson still had $85 million guaranteed over the next two years, money that would be paid to him regardless of whether or not he’s on the roster. When they released him, the Broncos took on the largest dead money cap hit in NFL history: $53 million this season and $32 million next season.
Wilson is not Denver’s only ex-player still counting against the team’s books this season. Here’s a look at the Broncos’ ten biggest dead money cap hits in 2024, courtesy of OverTheCap.com.
Broncos’ biggest dead money cap hits
- QB Russell Wilson: $53,000,000
- OLB Randy Gregory: $7,124,445
- WR Tim Patrick: $6,071,668
- DB Justin Simmons: $3,750,000
- RB Samaje Perine: $1,500,000
- K Brandon McManus: $1,231,250
- OLB Frank Clark: $1,125,000
- TE Chris Manhertz: $1,125,000
- DB Omar Brown: $231,666
- DL Angelo Blackson: $167,500
After setting the 53-man roster and 17-player practice squad, Denver is right up against the cap going into the 2024 season. There will be more breathing room next year, and the team will be completely free of Wilson’s contract in 2026. In the meantime, cap space is tight.
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