The Broncos went 11-19 in Wilson’s starts over two seasons and failed to make the playoffs in both. Here are the key moments that led to the split.
— Two years ago, the Denver Broncos pinned the future of their franchise on quarterback Russell Wilson. He arrived with great fanfare from Seattle, already boasting one Super Bowl ring and looking to get the Broncos some more hardware.
Three coaches and two losing seasons later, though, the Wilson era is over. The Broncos announced Monday that they have informed quarterback Russell Wilson that he will be released after the 2024 league year begins at 4 p.m.ET next Wednesday.
« We spoke with Russell Wilson today to inform him of his release after the start of the league year. On behalf of the Broncos, we thank Russell for his contributions and dedication to our team and community while wishing him the best as he continues his career, » general manager George Paton and coach Sean Payton said in a joint statement.
« As we move forward, we are focused on building the strongest team possible for the 2024 season and beyond. We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency. »
The Broncos went 11-19 in Wilson’s starts over two seasons and failed to make the playoffs in both. Coach Sean Payton benched Wilson with two games remaining in 2023, a move that effectively marked the end of Wilson’s career in Denver.
It all ends without Wilson reaching any of the goals set. These are the key moments that defined Wilson’s rocky tenure along the way:
March 16, 2022: Wilson was formally introduced following a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks. Denver gave up five draft picks and three starters in exchange for Wilson and a draft pick.
« This is a gift for me. I’m so grateful to be around such amazing people, » Wilson said. « My goal is to play 10 or 12 more years and hopefully win three or four more Super Bowls. That’s the plan. That’s the mindset. »
Broncos general manager George Paton said, « It’s just unique you can trade for a franchise quarterback in his prime. »
Sept. 1, 2022: Wilson signed a five-year, $242.6 million contract extension with about $161 million in guarantees from Denver. Wilson called it « a marriage and you want to be here a long time, and my goal is to be able to finish my career here. »
Sept. 12, 2022: Wilson opened his first season as a Bronco with a loss to his former team. The Seahawks beat Denver 17-16 after Brandon McManus missed a 64-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds. Coach Nathaniel Hackett drew the ire of fans for not letting Wilson and the offense go for it on a fourth-and-5 with 20 seconds left. Wilson’s 340 yards passing ending up as his most in a game for the Broncos.
Oct. 7, 2022: Wilson had the worst performance of his career, throwing two fourth-quarter interceptions in plays that began in Indianapolis Colts territory. Indianapolis kicker Chase McLaughlin tied the game to end regulation, with his team going on to win 12-9 in overtime. The slugfest featured a combined four interceptions, six fumbles, seven field goals and 12 punts.
« Throwing two interceptions can’t happen. Can’t happen. I let the team down tonight,' » Wilson said.
Dec. 25, 2022: Rock bottom of Year 1 arrived via a 51-14 meltdown loss to the Rams in SoFi Stadium. Wilson was sacked six times, threw three interceptions and Hackett was fired the next day. The Broncos would finish the season 5-12.
« Obviously, the X’s and O’s are important, but we need a strong leader for this organization that’s focused on winning, » owner Greg Penner said after Hackett was fired.
Feb. 6, 2023: Sean Payton was introduced as Broncos coach. Payton, who had been highly critical of Wilson and Hackett in his role as a TV analyst, promised to shape an offense around Wilson’s best traits: « I don’t like singing, but none of us want to be at a karaoke bar with a song we don’t know the words to.
