The Denver Broncos announce on Monday that they will be releasing Russell Wilson just after two seasons and a monstrous contract that paid Wilson $124 million at signing and an additional $85 million that remain unpaid.
The Wilson trade is already considered one of the worst trades in NFL history and now just after two years the Broncos will be taking an NFL-record $85 million in dead cap.
Both Sean Payton and George Paton offered a joint statement about the release of Wilson, “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.”
They also went on to say, “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.”
Wilson later went to social media to thank Broncos Country, “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,” said Wilson.
With Wilson’s departure comes the speculation about Denver’s next quarterback in the draft. While most teams high in the draft are gunning for USC Trojans quarterback (QB) Caleb Williams, there remain three potential suitors for the Broncos next QB in Oregon’s Bo Nix, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, and the Washington Huskies Michael Penix Jr.
All three of these quarterbacks have tons of potential but most mock drafts have Bo Nix as Denver’s top pick at QB.
In other sports the Denver Nuggets have won 6 of their last 7 with their latest win coming against the Lakers in L.A. LeBron James made history in that game becoming the only player to reach 40,000 points, however; Denver’s Michael Porter Jr. who LeBron scored his 40,000 point against, also chalked up an NBA record by becoming the only player in history to make at least 10 field goals and five 3-pointers in a game without a miss. Porter Jr. had 25 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists in Denver’s 124-114 win.
This week the Nuggets are at home to host the Phoenix Suns (results of this game not available at the time of this writing), the Boston Celtics on Thursday at 8 p.m., and the Utah Jazz this Saturday at 7 p.m.
The Colorado Avalanche shut out the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night at Ball Arena 5-0. The Avs have won 3 of their last 5 losing to the Predators in Nashville 5-1 on Saturday and to the Toronto Maple Leafs at home the previous Saturday 4-3.
This week the Avs are at home to host the Detroit Red Wings (Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.) and the Minnesota Wild (Friday at 7 p.m.) before heading to Canada to face the Calgary Flames, the Vancouver Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
