The Russell Wilson era in Denver came to an unexpected end after just two seasons. The Broncos had traded a significant amount to the Seattle Seahawks for Wilson in March 2022, hoping to end their struggles at the quarterback position. However, Wilson’s time in Denver was marked by ineffective play, a lopsided trade, and a hefty contract extension that never came to fruition. The Broncos announced Wilson’s release, thanking him for his contributions and wishing him well. Wilson also expressed gratitude to “Broncos Country” for welcoming him and his family during their time in Denver.
The trade for Wilson will be remembered as one of the most ruinous in NFL history, alongside other infamous deals like the Herschel Walker trade. The Broncos gave up multiple draft picks and players, including Noah Fant and Drew Lock, to acquire Wilson. Before he even played a game for the team, Wilson signed a massive contract extension worth over $242 million, with a significant portion guaranteed. Despite the high cost, Wilson’s performance on the field did not live up to expectations.
Wilson struggled in his first season with the Broncos, leading to the firing of head coach Nathaniel Hackett. The team finished with a 5-12 record, and Wilson posted some of the worst numbers of his career. The following season, under new head coach Sean Payton, Wilson showed improvement but was ultimately benched before the end of the season. Reports surfaced of the Broncos threatening to bench Wilson earlier in the season to avoid a contract clause, leading to criticism from the NFLPA.
The Wilson era in Denver will be remembered for the disappointment it brought to fans and the franchise. The Broncos now face the challenge of moving on from Wilson and rebuilding their team. As for Wilson, his legacy in the NFL may be tarnished by his time in Denver. The quarterback carousel continues for the Broncos as they look to the future and the upcoming NFL Draft to find their next signal-caller.
