Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson gives a young fan a high-five as he leaves the field after the game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Dec. 31, 2023. The Denver Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers 16-9 during week 17 of 2023 NFL season. Wilson, who has not even been formally released by the Broncos but is set to be later this week, announced Sunday night that he plans to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
When they do process his release, Denver will have to account for $85 million in dead salary cap charges over the next two seasons. The Broncos will decide whether to take $35.4 million in 2024 and $49.6 million in 2025 or $53 million in 2024 and $32 million in 2025.
It’s a long way from the mega trade that brought Wilson to Denver just two years ago and the subsequent five-year, $245 million extension, but Wilson has maintained that he’s motivated and excited for the next chapter of his career regardless of where it materializes. Now, it’s in the Steel City.