Russell Wilson expecting to be cut by Denver in March, per report

The Denver Broncos and Russell Wilson marriage recently took a turn for the worse. following a 42-17 blowout loss to the Detroit Lions, it was announced that the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback would be benched in the franchise’s upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers and would be replaced by backup Jarrett Stidham. But it appears as if that is not where this story ends.

On Wednesday, NFL insider for the athletic Diana Russini revealed that the relationship between the two is expected to end during the offseason. Per the NFL insiders report, Wilson will be cut by Denver shortly after the end of the season in March.

“Russell Wilson is expecting to be cut by the Denver Broncos in March, per league sources. For almost two months, the quarterback has been starting knowing the organization was most likely going to move on him from after this season,” wrote Russini via X.

While the report pins March as the month that the Broncos will part ways with their veteran quarterback, when it happens exactly remains a mystery and is a critical contingency of the story. The NFL’s 2024 free agency window officially opens on March 13. But depending on how Russell’s financial impact on the team breaks down, the Broncos could make a move to release him after free agency opens rather than before it.

Broncos benching Wilson for Stidham

The Denver Broncos are reportedly benching quarterback Russell Wilson for the final two games of the regular season. In his place, Jarrett Stidham will start the final two games of the season.

Denver has struggled in recent weeks, going just 1-3 in their last four games. That has made a trip to the playoffs seem like a long shot. Still, this is a move that caught most people off-guard.

For most, this is a surprising move. However, it may be a financially prudent one for the Broncos. Ian Rapoport noted that the move may be to preserve financial flexibility next offseason. He also reported that this was primarily a football decision.

This season, Russell Wilson is completing 66.4% of his passes, with 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns. He is also the NFL‘s seventh rated passer. Sean Payton told Wilson about the move Wednesday morning before telling the rest of the team.

That financial flexibility was something that Albert Breer clarified, explaining that Denver owes him $39 million in guarantees for 2024. However, holding onto him would mean vesting $37 million for 2025. Basically, if Russell Wilson can’t pass a physical by early March, Denver owes him the $37 million for 2025 no matter what. So, there is a lot of incentive to keep Wilson healthy.