With two games left in the season, the Broncos are sending one of the biggest additions to the trade market in recent years, Russell Wilson, to the bench. The move may be seen as a simple financial decision, but the real signal they are sending is that one of the worst trades in history is ending in disaster and they are moving on to another decision.
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In March 2022, the Broncos felt they were only missing a star quarterback and sent three players and four draft picks to the Seahawks to acquire Wilson.
A few weeks later they gave him a five-year contract extension for 245 million (including 165 million guaranteed). This transaction is an absolute disaster both on the field and in the team's financial books.
The Broncos took Wilson off the field under the pretext that he would have to be paid 37 million in March if he failed a physical examination in the event of an injury. Jarrett Stidham will take over, and with two career starts under his belt at age 27, he most likely won't be the expected savior in Denver.
We can understand the financial incentive to not put Wilson at risk of injury when playoff participation has become all but impossible. Still, his exclusion says a lot about what the team thinks of him.
Last year, Wilson got off to a terrible start in Denver. He played better this season and many will point to his 26 touchdown passes and eight interceptions, an excellent ratio.
However, the Broncos are 16th in offense with 21.8 points per game and 25th in passing (185.7 yards per game). He's not the direct cause of Denver's setbacks this season, but he clearly doesn't justify such a contract either.
Failed through and through
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The failure is therefore blatant. At this point there is no going back. After two short seasons, it's over for Wilson in Denver. Even if the Broncos and the center tried to renegotiate a deal, it's easy to assume the relationship has broken down.
The loss of high picks in the 2022 and 2023 drafts will have delayed the team's development and the salary cap will take a hit in the coming seasons.
If the Broncos decide to release Wilson before March 17, that means they will face $85 million in penalties in 2024. If they take action after June 1, the same 85 million would be distributed between 2024 and 2025.
One way or another, you don't have to be a great mathematician to understand that they have to pay an astronomical amount so that the object of their desire, which is not even two years old, no longer plays for them.
Unless you find a dance partner for an exchange, but no one will want to inherit such a contract. If we tell you it's a big waste…
One of the worst stock exchanges
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There is no doubt that the Russell Wilson deal is now one of the worst in NFL history. Luckily for the Broncos, they aren't the only ones.
The Browns aren't looking too rosy with Deshaun Watson receiving six draft picks, including three first-rounders. At least they're saving face with their performances this season.
The 49ers also saved the furniture by trading up on Brock Purdy in the seventh round last year because they gave up the moon for Trey Lance, who is now just a memory.
Obviously, nothing compares to the Vikings' acquisition of running back Herschel Walker in 1989. The wheelbarrow of choices afforded the Cowboys allowed them to build their 1990s dynasty.
Still, the Broncos expected to find the missing piece last year. Instead, they face a huge fiasco.
MY PREDICTION FOR THURSDAY NIGHT'S MATCH:
Jets 13 Browns 20