Wherever Russell Wilson cooks next, he’ll have the Denver Broncos to thank for allowing him to preheat his first trek into free agency.
According to reports Wednesday, the Broncos signed off on Wilson discussing a contract with potential employers ahead of his official release from the team next week. The head start could benefit Wilson, the most experienced signal-caller expected to be available with 204 career starts, including 16 playoff appearances. Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings has played in 150 regular-season games and five playoff games.
Wilson was informed he will be released when the 2024 NFL league year begins March 13, despite a dead-cap hit of $85 million incurred by the Broncos two years into a five-year contract.
The nine-time Pro Bowl selection turns 36 in November and goes to market only weeks before what is projected to be a very strong draft for quarterbacks.
Cut before his 2025 salary was fully guaranteed, the Broncos stand to be beneficiaries if Wilson signs elsewhere.
The Broncos can subtract any 2024 salary Wilson earns from his next employer from the $39 million check it owes to the 12-year veteran. That means if he signs a one-year, $15 million contract with a new team, the Broncos would instead make a $24 million payment to Wilson.
Wilson was acquired by the Broncos from the Seattle Seahawks prior to the 2022 season for three players and five draft choices. The Broncos then gave him a five-year, $242.5 million contract extension before he ever suited up in a game.
Benched for the last two games of the 2023 season to avoid an injury that would trigger guarantees in his contract, Wilson posted an 11-19 record in 30 starts with the Broncos.
He won 104 regular-season games and a Super Bowl as the starter in Seattle and has passed for 43,653 yards with 334 touchdowns and 106 interceptions in 188 career contests.