The Denver Broncos have announced the release of quarterback Russell Wilson, ending his tenure with the team after just two years. Acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in a notable trade, Wilson’s move to the Broncos in 2022 was met with high expectations. However, during his time with the team, he was unable to lead them to playoff success, managing only 11 wins out of 30 starts. The release was finalized after the commencement of the new league year on March 13, 2024.

Wilson’s departure from the Broncos is marked by the team incurring an NFL record $85 million in dead money over two years, a significant financial impact. Despite this, the Broncos, under the leadership of general manager George Paton and coach Sean Payton, expressed their gratitude towards Wilson for his efforts on and off the field and wished him well in his future endeavors. Notably, Wilson’s statement acknowledging his release did not mention Payton or Paton but emphasized his readiness for future opportunities.

The decision follows a particularly challenging season in 2023 where Wilson was benched, and despite a subsequent improvement in performance under new head coach Sean Payton, the team failed to reach the playoffs. His two-year stint with the Broncos followed a successful decade with the Seahawks and included a five-year contract extension with Denver worth $245 million in 2022.

As the Broncos now look to rebuild and strengthen their roster for the 2024 season, utilizing their 12th overall pick in the draft and exploring free agency, Wilson becomes a free agent. The quarterback’s release adds intrigue to the NFL’s off-season as speculation grows about where he will play next, following a period in Denver that fell short of the achievements anticipated upon his arrival.