The Russell Wilson era in Denver came to an end on Monday.
The Broncos announced that they will be releasing the veteran quarterback when the new league year begins next Wednesday after just two seasons with the team.
Doing so will come at a cost. After Denver acquired Wilson from Seattle via trade in 2022, he signed a five-year, $245 million extension that September. In releasing him, the Broncos will incur a record $85 million dead cap hit.
Wilson improved significantly this season after a rough campaign in 2022 in which he led the NFL in sacks taken, but it didn’t translate to overall team success. In two years, Wilson was just 11-19 as the starter in Denver.
We’ve notified QB Russell Wilson that he will be released after the league year begins March 13.
A statement from GM George Paton and HC Sean Payton: pic.twitter.com/EJO5mNMjew
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) March 4, 2024
Thank You Broncos Country 🙏🏾 – #3 pic.twitter.com/3IoVheYVyI
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 4, 2024
A tenure that began with great optimism is ending unceremoniously, and NFL fans on social media were making similar jokes about it.