By firing quarterback Russell Wilson, the Denver Broncos face an $85 million penalty on their payroll, a record in NFL history.
The amount that is counted as a team's expense when deciding whether to release or trade a player is determined by the guaranteed amount and the bonuses received upon signing the contract.
• Also read: NFL: The Broncos are already over for Russell Wilson
• Also read: The 50 Best Versions of the NFL Free Agent Market
Here are the five largest fines paid in the history of the Goodell circuit:
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Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos
The quarterback was acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in March 2022 and signed a five-year contract extension worth $245 million with the Broncos. This should start in 2025. Wilson will therefore never have played under this contract and the Colorado team will be deprived of $85 million.
AFP
Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
The decision to end a 14-year relationship with the center forced the Falcons to pay a hefty fine of $40.53 million. In 2022, the Atlanta club traded the veteran to the Indianapolis Colts for a third-round draft pick.
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Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Obviously, it costs a lot to get rid of a well-paid, experienced quarterback. Rodgers signed a $150 million contract extension with the Packers in 2022. A year later he was traded to the New York Jets. However, Green Bay ended up receiving a $40.3 million penalty. As a result, Rodgers made up 18% of the Packers' payroll last year.
AFP
Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles
Injuries and the emergence of Jalen Hurts ended Wentz's run with the Eagles in 2021. The quarterback was traded to the Colts just two years after signing a four-year, $128 million contract. The Philadelphia organization's assets were reduced by $33.8 million in 2021, or nearly 20% of allowable expenses.
AFP
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
You read that right, Wilson finds himself in the top five twice. By sending the athlete to the Broncos, the Seahawks inherited five draft picks and three players, but also a $26 million penalty. This is the result of an impressive four-year, $140 million contract, including $107 million in guaranteed money, offered in 2019.
Other
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons, $23.25 million
DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals, $22.6 million
Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams, $22.2 million
Brandin Cooks, Los Angeles Rams, $21.8 million
Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers, $21.1 million