Last year, the Denver Broncos parted ways with Russell Wilson, largely due to his massive contract. Now, the veteran quarterback has shared details of the staggering deal he nearly signed with the team upon his arrival in Colorado.
In 2022, the Broncos made one of the most talked-about moves in recent NFL history by trading for Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks, sending multiple top draft picks and players in return for the Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
However, the experiment didn’t go as planned. After just two underwhelming seasons, Denver released Wilson in 2024, prompting questions about the wisdom of the original trade and contract.
Russell Wilson reveals details of massive contract he originally requested from the Broncos
When Wilson arrived in Denver, most fans expected a short-term arrangement. Instead, just months after the trade, the Broncos shocked the league by announcing a five-year, $242.5 million extension in September 2022—with $161 million fully guaranteed. Wilson only played two seasons under that deal.
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But things could have been even more complicated.
According to Wilson, he initially asked the Broncos for a seven-year, fully guaranteed contract worth around $50 million per year. The quarterback testified that the team “didn’t blink” at the request and appeared ready to accept the terms.
However, a shift came soon after. On March 28, 2022—just 12 days after Denver acquired Wilson—the NFL Management Council, with the backing of Commissioner Roger Goodell, reportedly encouraged all 32 teams to reduce guarantees in veteran contracts. System Arbitrator Christopher Droney cited this in a recent hearing.
Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos reacts after his team’s 17-16 loss against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field At Mile High on September 10, 2023 in Denver, Colorado.
“I would say shortly after [the trade], maybe within the next ten days or so, they started getting cold feet on this fully guaranteed thing,” Wilson said during the hearing, where he alleged the league pushed for collusion to limit guaranteed deals.
Life after Wilson in Denver
Following Wilson’s release, the Broncos have turned the page with Bo Nix, who had an outstanding rookie season in 2025. The expectations are high for him after leading Denver to playoffs for the first time in 10 years..
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Russell Wilson, meanwhile, has joined the New York Giants, hoping to revive his career and prove he can still perform at an elite level after a rough tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.
