Russell Wilson's tenure as QB1 of the Broncos was a memorable one complete with valleys and peaks.
Denver acquired Wilson during the 2022 offseason, describing the nine-time Pro Bowler as its "answer at the quarterback position." Wilson was given a lucrative contract and tabbed as the Broncos' sixth different starting quarterback in as many seasons as he was believed to be the answer to end the franchise's postseason drought.
After the partnership between Wilson and then-head coach Nathaniel Hackett failed to last one full season, things went from bad to worse when Sean Payton took over during the 2023 offseason, signaling the beginning of the end of Russell's time with Denver.
With Wilson under center, the Broncos posted a losing record and did not make good on their postseason aspirations. The franchise released Wilson nearly two years to the date of acquiring him, causing many to again criticize the massive contract he received from the franchise.
Later in the 2024 offseason, Wilson signed a one-year, $1.2 million deal with the Steelers, setting up a meeting with his former team in Week 2 of the season. As Pittsburgh prepares for action at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium, look back at some of the most notable facts and figures from Wilson's time as a Bronco.
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Russell Wilson Broncos stats
Wilson started 30 games for the Broncos and the team posted an 11-19 record in those games. While he threw for 6,594 yards and 42 touchdowns, Wilson was sacked 100 times, including a league-high 55 times during his first season with the franchise.
Here is a complete look at Wilson's numbers with Denver:
| Stat | Total |
| Starts (W-L) | 30 (11-19) |
| Comp/Attempt (%) | 589-930 (63.3%) |
| Passing yards | 6,594 |
| Yards/completion | 11.2 |
| Passing TDs | 42 |
| Rushing attempts | 135 |
| Yards | 618 |
| Yards/attempt | 4.6 |
| Rushing TDs | 6 |
| Sacks (Yards) | 100 (626) |
| Interceptions | 19 |
| Fumbles | 10 |
After going 4-11 in his first season as a starter, Wilson's encore wasn't much better. Denver opened the 2023 season by losing four of its first five games before bouncing back to win five in a row.
After getting above .500, Wilson and the Broncos lost three of the next four to fall to 7-8 on the year. The Week 15 loss to New England would be Wilson's final start as a Bronco as he was benched to avoid an injury that would guarantee his contract.
On March 3, the franchise announced it would be releasing Wilson at the start of the NFL new year.
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Russell Wilson Broncos contract
After the blockbuster trade in March 2022, Wilson and the Broncos agreed on a five-year, $242.5 million contract extension ahead of Week 1 of the 2022 season.
The deal, which included $161 million in guaranteed money, was the third-most lucrative contract in NFL history at the time.Here's a breakdown of Wilson's yearly earnings under his contract.
The Broncos gave Wilson a fully guaranteed $124 million at signing.The Broncos owe Wilson$39 millionfor the 2024 NFL season. Once they pay that sum to the veteran quarterback, they won't owe him anything more.
| Year | Salary |
| 2022 | $17 million |
| 2023 | $22 million |
| 2024 | $35.4 million |
| 2025 | $55.4 million |
| 2026 | $58.4 million |
| 2027 | $53.4 million |
| 2028 | $54.4 million |
Releasing Wilson cost the Broncos a record $85 million dead cap hit.Dead cap space issalary cap space taken up by a player no longer with a team. It typically stemsfrom guaranteed money already paid to a player who either retires or is released ortraded.
In Wilson's case, the Broncos already gave him a fully guaranteed $124 million at signing. While most of that was already paid to the veteran quarterback, $85 million of it remains on the Broncos' books.
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Why did the Broncos release Russell Wilson?
Wilson's release was directly related to the somewhat unprecedented terms of his contract.
While the franchise took a major hit in dead cap space, cutting ties with Wilson in 2024 was essentially cutting their losses. The franchise will free up cap space quicker than they would have had Wilson remained on the roster.
By all accounts, the split was amicable. Wilson took to X(formerly Twitter) to thank the franchise for his two years.
"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," Wilson wrote.
"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."
Russell Wilson trade details
Here is a look back at who — and what — the Broncos parted ways with to acquire Wilson from Seattle.
Broncos get:
- QB Russell Wilson
- 2022 fourth-round pick (DLEyioma Uwazurike)
Seahawks get:
- QB Drew Lock
- DT Shelby Harris
- TE Noah Fant
- 2022 first-round pick (OT Charles Cross)
- 2022 second-round pick (EDGE Boye Mafe)
- 2022 fifth-round pick (traded)
- 2023 first-round pick (CB Devon Witherspoon)
- 2023 second-round pick (EDGE Derick Hall)
