Russell Wilson cost Broncos almost $13,000,000 per win with massive paycheck: “He hasn’t been wronged”

The Denver Broncos traded for Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks two years ago. They thought of having a Super Bowl run with the quarterback as he has already earned the title once with the Seahawks, although the hope remained like a daydream. The franchise had a disappointing season last year, which even cost the job of their head coach, Nathaniel Hackett.

The Broncos cut a bunch of people from their roster ahead of the 2023 NFL season, but they decided to give Wilson another chance this season under the new head coach, Sean Payton. However, this season has been too promising for them as well, and the QB is now rumored to part ways with the team.

Russell Wilson cost Broncos almost $13,000,000 per win

A report from Dianna Russini of The Athletic earlier suggested that Russell Wilson, despite leading the team to significant victories, faced abrupt notice of being replaced as the QB1, followed by swirling trade rumors. The decision to part ways with him seemed rooted in financial implications.

The signal-caller’s mammoth five-year, $242.6 million contract signed in 2022 included clauses that potentially burdened the Broncos with substantial guarantees, irrespective of his performance on the field, via ESPN. An impending $37 million guarantee for the 2025 season hinged on his passing a physical by March’s fifth day, which escalated the financial stakes to nearly $13 million per win during his tenure. The QB’s earnings translated to over $3 million for every touchdown pass made.

The discord between Russell Wilson and the Broncos surfaced after a victorious encounter against the Kansas City Chiefs, which led him to mirror Deion Sanders’ iconic attire. Despite his stellar performance and evident signs of success, the team approached him for contract alterations.

Wilson guided the Broncos to remarkable wins against the Minnesota Vikings, the Cleveland Browns, and the Buffalo Bills during this turbulent time. However, these achievements appeared to be overshadowed by the complex financial issues that ultimately affected the relationship between him and the Broncos.

NFL community split over Russell Wilson and Broncos situation

Russell Wilson and the Broncos fallout happened so suddenly that the NFL community couldn’t help wondering about it over social media.

A fan wrote, “The Broncos did Russell Wilson dirty, yes. But it’s kinda easy to take the “high road” when you know you got $142 million coming your way regardless.”

While some fans claimed that the QB has earned enough from the Broncos to feel wronged, others claimed he still should be paid his $37 million due.

A netizen wrote, “IDC how much money I have. I still want what you owe me. His contract says he’s owed another $37M. Pay up!!”

The price for the QB was high, consisting of two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, as well as players Drew Lock, Noah Fant, and Shelby Harris. Undoubtedly a strategic move, Broncos general manager George Paton made the assumption that the quarterback would succeed regardless of the head coach’s identity. However, he was mistaken, and numerous fans suggested that the GM should be fired instead for offering Wilson such a substantial contract.

A user wrote, “I don’t really care about Russell Wilson getting cut or not, but I do wanna point out that, if Russell Wilson is the problem then how does George Paton still have a job for shipping 2 first round picks, 2 second round picks, and a fifth round pick for him then locking him into an albatross contract before he ever played a single snap? If we want to talk about sucking at your job Paton deserves to be gone as well for the horrendous trade and contract. I don’t blame Russ for accepting his contract, I blame Paton for offering it.”

Over 15 starts this season, Russell Wilson recorded 3,070 passing yards along with 26 passing touchdowns for eight interceptions and a 98.0 passer rating. He completed 66.4% of his throws while also rushing for 341 yards and three touchdowns.