NFL Insider sets deadline for Broncos to terminate Russell Wilson’s contract

When the Denver Broncos hired Sean Payton as head coach, it was widely expected that he would be able to save the career of quarterback Russell Wilson. Things haven’t gone as planned as Wilson has been mediocre during a 2-5 start for the Broncos, who are much closer to the Caleb Williams draw than most expected on opening day.

Wilson was relatively efficient in the close Week 7 win over the Green Bay Packers, completing 20 of 29 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown, but Denver expected more explosive play from him than 6.7 yards per attempt. Payton also showed visible frustration with Wilson, including looking disgusted when Wilson made a key turnover late in the Week 5 loss to the New York Jets.

While most assume Wilson’s massive contract extension he signed with the Broncos after being traded to Seattle last year makes him invincible, there appears to be a window Denver could move on from him relatively quickly.

The subject of Wilson’s contract came up a Q&A with FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer, who was asked to break up Denver’s rough start to the season. Glazer noted that the Broncos must make a decision before Day 5 of the 2024 league year, when the $37.5 million on Wilson’s contract will be guaranteed. . . for 2025.

Leaving Wilson would be costly, as a cut or trade before then would still leave Denver with nearly $50 million in dead cap space, but if he’s on the team after that date, it essentially ties Wilson to the Broncos for two moreover. seasons. The next reasonable opportunity to move on from Wilson after that comes before the 2026 season, when Denver is expected to absorb $31.2 million in dead space.

The time to make a decision on Wilson is fast approaching, and Payton is no doubt watching this year’s crop of college quarterbacks to see if it’s worth terminating Wilson after the season. Wilson will need to do much better in Denver’s final 10 games to have any chance of the Broncos guaranteeing his base salary for 2025.