Russell Wilson allowed to talk to other teams before his release after dreadful run in Denver ended two seasons into his five-year $242.6m deal
- The Denver Broncos went 11-19 with Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback
- Wilson spent his first ten seasons in Seattle and won the Super Bowl in 2014
- READ: Ciara reacts to Russell Wilson getting cut by the Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have given soon-to-be free agent Russell Wilson the green light to talk to teams around the NFL before free agency starts next week.
On Wednesday, sources told ESPN that the Broncos have allowed Wilson, 35, to take meetings in other cities days after being informed that he was getting cut after two seasons in Denver.
The Broncos signed the veteran quarterback to a five-year, $242.6 million deal after acquiring him in a blockbuster trade from Seattle. However, after two unsuccessful seasons, the team opted to move on from Wilson while taking an $85m hit in dead money with the release.
Following the news, Wilson released a statement to thank the organization and Denver fanbase while expressing his excitement for what's ahead.
'Over these last two years, you have welcomed my family and me with open arms and have embraced us as members of the Denver community,' Wilson's statement read. 'This city will always hold a special place in my heart.
![The Denver Broncos allowed Russell Wilson to talk to other teams before free agency begins](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/06/17/82120165-0-image-a-1_1709744502015.jpg)
The Denver Broncos allowed Russell Wilson to talk to other teams before free agency begins
![Wilson was informed that he is getting cut two seasons into his blockbuster five-year deal](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/06/17/82123229-0-image-a-2_1709744604718.jpg)
Wilson was informed that he is getting cut two seasons into his blockbuster five-year deal
![Wilson arrived in Denver after 10 season in Seattle which included a Super Bowl title in 2014](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/06/17/82123297-0-image-m-4_1709744722301.jpg)
Wilson arrived in Denver after 10 season in Seattle which included a Super Bowl title in 2014
'Our family grew here, we made countless memories and friendships, and formed relationships that will last a lifetime.'
'Tough times don't last, but tough people do,' Wilson continued. 'God's got me. I am excited for what's next.'
The Broncos went 11-19 with Wilson as the starting quarterback and failed to see the playoffs in both seasons.
Furthermore, his time in white and orange came to a sour close when he was benched by head coach Sean Payton with two games remaining in 2023.
The tipping point in the break-up came when Wilson and his team had a meeting with the Broncos during their Week 9 bye. The team reportedly wanted to find a 'creative way' for Wilson to waive or adjust a $37m injury guarantee on his contract.
Wilson then reported that they threatened to bench him if he and his team played financial ball during the negotiation. The Broncos, including general manager George Paton and owner Greg Penner, have since claimed that the pitch was made in 'good faith.'
Wilson spent his first ten seasons in Seattle where he made nine Pro Bowl selections and led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl in 2014. Over his career, Wilson has thrown for 43,653 yards and 334 touchdowns with 106 interceptions.