Former Seahawk QB Russell Wilson to be released from Denver Broncos

Russell Wilson will not play for the Denver Broncos in 2024. The former Seahawk, and current Bronco, will be released from his contract before the NFL's league season begins this month.

"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 while wishing him the best as he continues his career," Broncos General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Sean Payton said in a joint statement released Monday afternoon.

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Six minutes after the joint statement was published on X (formerly Twitter), Wilson released his own statement thanking Broncos country, his teammates, and even folks who work in the team's cafeteria.

"Tough times don't last, but tough people do. God's got me. I am excited for what's next," Wilson said in his statement.

According to The Seattle Times, Wilson's release comes at an opportune time for the Broncos. If Wilson remained on the team past March 17, he would be guaranteed $37 million as part of his five-year contract.

Wilson played 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, starting in 2012. The Seahawks went to the Super Bowl the next year, beating the Denver Broncos. Two of the three Super Bowls played by the Seahawks happened while Wilson was the team's quarterback.

In 2022, Wilson left the Seahawks and signed a five-year, $245 million contract with the Broncos. His first season with Denver has been viewed as a disappointment. Wilson was reportedly sacked more times than any other quarterback in the NFL that year. In the 2023 season, Wilson was benched for the last two games.

Wilson's release comes two months after the Seahawks let former Head Coach Pete Carroll go, another figure from an era when the Seahawks were among the best teams in the NFL.