After only two seasons, the Denver Broncos have decided to part ways with Russell Wilson. By doing so, the Broncos will carry $85 million in dead cap from a singular player on the team. This will more than double the record for the most dead money by a player in the history of the NFL. Matt Ryan’s $40.5 million in dead cap was the closest to that record when he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. This marks a new, yet sad era for the Denver Broncos. The franchise’s dreams of finally making it back to the playoffs after eight long seasons now rely on a mid-round draft pick or a miracle-free agent. Another question that comes to mind is, where does Russell Wilson end up next? Only time and the Las Vegas odds will tell.
The Broncos Are Done With Russell Wilson: What’s Next For The Troubled Franchise?
Why The Broncos And Russell Wilson Are Cutting Ties So Soon
In 2021, the Broncos believed they had found their answer to returning to the playoffs. After Peyton Manning’s retirement in 2015, the Broncos had been crippled by quarterback play and bad management. So, they traded for Super Bowl winning quarterback Russell Wilson. The Broncos gave away three starting players, two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a fifth-round pick for their dream quarterback, the man who could turn the franchise around. Sadly, that never happened. It has become clear that Russell Wilson was never the Bronco’s savior, he was their excuse for having a terrible team. Wilson’s arrival was similar to a pilot with cataracts driving a rudderless plain.
In his first season as a Bronco, Russell Wilson had the worst season of his career. He went 4-11 as a starter and threw 16 touchdowns and had 13 turnovers. He was also attacked by media members, former teammates, and fans for having his own coaching staff and being disconnected from teammates. To fix these team and offensive problems, the Broncos signed Super Bowl winning head coach Sean Payton this past offseason. Under Payton, the Broncos improved tremendously on offense, yet, Wilson seemed out of place. Wilson threw for an astounding 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions but disappeared in the final moments of many games. As the season went on, it was clear that these two offensive juggernauts didn’t get along and once Denver was out of the playoffs, Wilson was benched.
Were the Broncos failures all Russell Wilson’s fault? Of course not! He just wasn’t worth his $85 million and two years of draft capital. So the Broncos have to let him go, hoping their next decision will finally be correct.
Quarterback Options the Broncos Have
Free Agent Quarterbacks
When the Broncos are left with no options at the quarterback position, their most successful avenue has always been through free agency. So, why not try it again? Oh, that’s right, there are no good quarterbacks to be had. But just for some fun, here are some of the best options for the Broncos:
- Ryan Tannehill– As a man who can control the pocket and manage the run game, he may be exactly what Sean Payton is looking for. Although Tannehill has never been one of the star quarterbacks in the NFL, he has proven himself as an amazing leader and reliable starter if the correct weapons are around him. Sadly, the Broncos don’t have many weapons at the moment.
- Gardner Minshew– After the rookie sensation, Anthony Richardson, was ruled out for the year, Minshew started 13 games and led the Colts to a 9-8 record. Just like Tannehill, he can control the pocket, but when it collapses he can make plays with his athleticism from time to time. His accuracy and decision making is questionable at times, but he can also create a lot of Minshew magic.
- Jameis Winston– As a player who once threw for 33 touchdowns in a season (paired with 30 interceptions) Winston knows how to sling the ball down the field. It also doesn’t hurt that he played two years under Sean Payton. If he still knows Payton’s offense, he may be a great player to sign.
But, if any of these three is Wilson’s replacement, the Broncos are in trouble. Luckily for them, they finally have draft picks this year.
The Draft
With the 12th pick, the Denver Broncos select… whatever quarterback is available still! Unless the Broncos give away the rest of their draft picks for the next two years again, Caleb Williams will be gone. Followed by him will be Drake Maye. So who can the Broncos get after that? There are plenty to choose from, here are the best fits:
- Jayden Daniels– As the Heisman Winner, it’s exciting he isn’t higher in most mock drafts. As a dual-threat quarterback, Daniels can push the ball downfield with his pocket presents or punish an overzealous defensive rush with his legs. Sadly, the Broncos would still have to trade up to have a chance at him. Most likely, he will go fifth or sixth overall.
- Michael Penix Jr.– As the losing quarterback in the National Championship game, Penix seems to be one of the more mature quarterbacks in the draft. For good reason. He has played college football for six years. Yet, through this very long period, he has become one of the best young passers of his age. He can make exceptional throws on the run and knows how to create space with his feet when the pocket collapses. Because of his awkward throwing style and injury history, he is projected to go 11th overall. This may be exactly what the Broncos need.
- J.J. McCarthy– It is very unclear where McCarthy will go in the draft. He was assumed to go late first round, but his draft capital has gone up since the Combine. He has shown tremendous talent throughout his college career but was aided by some of the best players in NCAA football. Luckily for him, McCarthy is rumored to be one of Sean Payton’s top picks.
Conclusion
The search for the next Broncos quarterback has returned. Russell Wilson is off to another franchise. At the moment, Vegas odds suggest Wilson will head east to Pittsburg. But it’s time to move on Denver. Will this franchise follow the tradition of signing an aging free agent? Will they pick one of the many blooming quarterbacks from the draft? Either way, the Broncos rely on their General Manager to make correct decisions once again. It hasn’t worked out in recent history, but there is always tomorrow!
Main Photo: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
