Broncos to release Russell Wilson

DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver Broncos have announced plans to release quarterback Russell Wilson this month.

“We spoke with Russell Wilson today to inform him of his release after the start of the league year. 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,” according to a team statement attributed to general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton.

Russell Wilson reiterates that he’d like to stay in Denver, but also rehashes benching in podcast

Wilson played two seasons for the Broncos, one under former coach Nathaniel Hackett and one under Payton.

Last season, he threw for 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions but the team missed the playoffs and finished with an 8-9 record.

There has been speculation about the Broncos moving on from Wilson since the season ended and Payton has said the team was looking at all options.

“Obviously the financial part of this is a significant component,” owner and chief executive officer Greg Penner said in January. “But that’s not what will drive the decision. The decision will be driven on what’s the best interest of this football team winning games.”

Wilson previously confirmed the team had asked him to restructure his contract or risk getting benched. Wilson was benched with two games left in the season.

There had been reports that Wilson and his wife Ciara were taking offers on their Cherry Hills home, however on Brandon Marshall’s “I Am Athlete” podcast, Wilson denied those rumors, saying, “It’s not on the market right now.”

Wilson released a lengthy statement on X after the team announced plans to release him.

“Broncos Country, thank you! 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. This city will always hold a special place in my heart. Our family grew here, we made countless memories and friendships, and formed relationships that will last a lifetime,” he said in part.

Wilson went on to thank his teammates, including individual shoutouts to Courtland Sutton, Garett Bolles, Brandon Johnson and Jerry Jeudy. He even thanked the offensive line for the dinners at Los Dos Potrillos.

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Wilson’s release will become official when the new league year begins on March 13. The Broncos hold the No. 12 pick in the NFL Draft, with their next pick not coming until No. 76 overall in the third round.

“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,” the team’s tweet said.

There has been speculation as to where Wilson could land next. On Feb. 14, DraftKings put out odds for where he would be playing. Even then, before any announcements from the team, the Broncos were the runner-up to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders round out the top five.

Broncos Country reacts to Wilson’s release

FOX31’s Shaul Turner spoke with fans who say they will miss Wilson and feel he only needed more time and support to bring the team to a Super Bowl. Others say it is time to move on.

The news of Wilson’s release was the hot topic at KOA sports radio on Monday, where host Dave Logan emphasized that Wilson’s departure is not a surprise.

“Since the end of the season, just not going to be a marriage that would survive,” Logan said.

The on-air discussion focused heavily on the dynamic between Wilson and coach Payton.

“The head coach, the play designer, has to feel like the quarterback is going to run it the way it’s designed to run,” Logan said.

Host Ryan Edwards described the climate on the eve of Wilson’s transition away from the team.

“There’s a lot of finger-pointing, a lot of blame happening on what went down,” Edwards said.

Alfred “Big Al” Williams reminded listeners that Wilson’s time as quarterback was marred by what he called “terrible football ideas rolled into a span of less than two years” and said the fallout is bound to affect Payton.

“If you draft a quarterback and this quarterback doesn’t work out for you, then look out, man,” Williams said.

Denver Broncos News: Orange & Blue Report

Fans anxious to move on told FOX31 that Wilson’s release provides new hope of the Broncos regaining a foothold in the upcoming playoffs.

“I think Bronco fans would accept just about anybody playing quarterback — or for that matter, being the head coach — if they could get back into the playoffs and get back to being relevant,” Logan said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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