It’s long been expected that the Denver Broncos would part ways with former starting quarterback Russell Wilson after the team decided to bench him toward the end of the season even though the team was still in playoff contention. But it sounds like that decision is now about to become official.
According to a report from NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic, even though the Denver Broncos have not yet announced that they will be releasing Russell Wilson this offseason, they have “made it very clear” that the plan to part ways with him this week.
“The Broncos made it very clear the Russell Wilson chapter will be over soon. Around the league, people believe Denver will cut him by next week,” Russini wrote for The Athletic on Saturday.
This is obviously some terrible news for Russell Wilson after he publicly expressed a desire to return to the Broncos this season, and the NFL world had a lot to say about it on social media.
Oh wow, Denver is already saying bye to Russell Wilson? ๐ค๐ Can't wait to see how that plays out, but I highly doubt they'll cut him that fast! #NFL #RussellWilson #Broncos
— Dakota Gray (@DakotaGCharm) March 2, 2024
He fine tho. Good work, Cici. lol
— itโs Quiia, baby ๐ฅ (@QuiaTarantino) March 2, 2024
People around the league believe the #Broncos will release QB Russell Wilson by next week, according to @dmrussini. pic.twitter.com/gahR5YtSvF
— Bryce Martino (@TheFBAnalyst) March 2, 2024
The Broncos have a bottom 5 roster in the NFL, will be paying Russ $84M in dead cap this season, and still think all they need is Kirk Cousins is next level delusional. https://t.co/wDJGD7t9rH
— Kevin Sexton (@kevin_sexton) March 2, 2024
Denver in the Cousins sweepstakes??
Also Broncos expected to cut Russ by next weekโฆ https://t.co/vsdDAhz46w
— Oli (@OJFell) March 2, 2024
This could be interesting https://t.co/wrysixwnqs
— Elliott (@NY_SportsGuy76) March 2, 2024
Denver will not be able to offer him money. The cap hit from releasing Wilson takes the Broncos out of the running for any free agent who is not willing to work for free.
— Brett in Sector 7G ๐บ๐ธ ๐บ๐ฆ ๐ฎ๐ฑ ๐ป๐๏ธ (@brett_7g) March 2, 2024
By making the decision to cut Wilson, the Broncos will take an $84 million hit against their salary cap for the 2024 NFL season, which is the dead cap largest hit any team has ever taken from a single player.