The Denver Broncos are giving Russell Wilson a chance to get a head start on NFL free agency after his release.
Wilson was informed by the team on Monday that they will release him after the start of the new league year on March 13, but the Broncos have “no issues” with the veteran quarterback talking with prospective teams immediately, essentially making him a free agent as of Monday evening, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The NFL free agency signing period coincides with the start of the new league year, which begins on March 13 after 4 p.m. ET.
The legal tampering begins on Monday, but it appears Wilson can get a bit of a head start.
The Broncos cut Wilson just before his 2025 salary was set to become fully guaranteed four days into the new league year.
Wilson signed a five-year, $242.6 million contract with the Broncos in March 2022 and suffered through two miserable seasons together,
The Broncos will take on $85 million in dead cap charges over the next two years — the largest dead cap hit in league history — after the blockbuster trade with Seattle went horribly wrong.
It’s unclear where Wilson will take his talents, but it won’t be Pittsburgh, as the Steelers — still in search of a franchise quarterback after the Ben Roethlisberger era — aren’t interested in the Super Bowl champion quarterback, according to The Athletic.
Denver sent a haul to the Seahawks — five draft picks, including two first-rounders, and three players — for Wilson’s services after the quarterback forced his way out of Seattle, where he spent the first 10 seasons of his career.
The writing was on the wall long before the Wilson-Broncos breakup became official on Monday.
Wilson’s relationship with first-year Broncos head coach Sean Payton deteriorated, and the quarterback was benched the final two games of the season.
He led Denver to a 5-12 record in his first year with the team, and improved to 8-9 last season, but that wasn’t enough to save his job.
“On behalf of the Broncos, we thank Russell for his contributions and dedication to our team and community while wishing him the best as he continues his career,” general manager George Paton and Payton said in a joint statement Monday.
“As we move forward, we are focused on building the strongest team possible for the 2024 season and beyond. We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency.”
In a farewell letter to Denver, Wilson thanked the Mile High City, the fans and his teammates.
He concluded his message with: “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. God’s got me. I am excited for what’s next. #3.”
In two seasons with the Broncos, Wilson tallied 6,594 passing yards, 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions across 30 games played and compiled an 11-19 record.
