The Great Denver Broncos-Russell Wilson Financial Tango: A Tragicomedy in Three Acts
Act I: The Honeymoon Phase (and a Big Fat Contract)
Ah, 2022. A simpler time for Denver Broncos fans. Champagne corks were popping, jerseys were flying off shelves, and everyone believed Russell Wilson was the missing piece to a Super Bowl puzzle. The love was real, and the price tag to match: a cool $242.5 million contract extension for our new leading man.
Act II: From Sunshine to Shade (and Salary)
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
Fast forward to...well, not that far forward. Let's just say things haven't exactly gone according to plan. The Broncos haven't exactly been lighting the league on fire, and whispers of a "buyer's remorse" sale at the quarterback position started swirling. But here's the rub: even if they wanted to sell that slightly used Wilson model, the contract meant Denver was still on the hook for a hefty sum.
Act III: The Big Payout (For Not Playing)
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
This is where things get interesting. In a plot twist worthy of a Shakespearean drama (but with less tights and more shoulder pads), the Broncos decided to release Wilson. Here's the kicker: Denver will still be paying him a whopping $39 million in 2024. That's right, folks, they're basically paying a small fortune for someone to play elsewhere.
So, How Much is Denver ACTUALLY Paying Russell Wilson?
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
Here's the short answer: It's complicated. Denver already paid Wilson a significant chunk of the guaranteed money in the contract, and with the release, they're on the hook for the remaining $39 million for 2024. That's a hefty price tag for a QB not taking snaps in Mile High Stadium.
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
How Much Is Denver Paying Russell Wilson |
But Wait, There's More!
This financial drama is a multi-seasoner. Denver will also have a "dead money" hit of $32 million in 2025. Dead money, you ask? Let's just say it's the financial ghost of contracts past, haunting your salary cap like a bad fumble.
## Frequently Asked Questions (Because Let's Face It, This is Confusing):
- How to understand the Denver-Wilson situation? Think of it as an expensive breakup. You might be over someone, but you're still stuck paying off that couples vacation to Tahiti.
- How to explain this to your friend who doesn't follow football? Imagine your favorite band breaking up, but the lead singer gets to keep the tour bus even though they're not in the band anymore.
- How to avoid a similar fate in your own life? Probably don't buy a car based solely on its looks and a catchy jingle.
- How to move on from this financial folly? The Broncos are probably hoping for a serious draft steal and a whole lot of amnesia.
- How to make yourself feel better? Remember, at least you're not paying Russell Wilson not to play for your team.