Social media reacts to Denver Broncos’ unprecedented release of Wisconsin legend Russell Wilson
The Denver Broncos released former Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson Monday afternoon.
The move is unprecedented after the franchise traded a king’s ransom for Wilson before the 2022 season, and now must absorb a cap hit of more than $80 million.
Related: Pre-spring bold predictions for the 2024 Big Ten football season
The former Badger went 11-19 in two years in Denver, throwing for a combined 6594 yards and 42 touchdowns, while adding 618 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
He now hits the open market after playing on a near-Hall-of-Fame trajectory with the Seattle Seahawks, appearing in two Super Bowls and winning one. The years in Denver saw a regression in play, but there’s a chance his MVP candidate form could return in the right location.
NFL pundits and Broncos fans alike were amazed by the news, and especially by his gigantic cap hit. Here is how social media reacted to Wilson’s release:
The numbers are significant
Assuming Russell Wilson is designated a post-June 1 cut, the aftermath looks like this for the #Broncos …
2024:
$39 million cash*, $35.4M cap2025:
$0 cash, $49.6M cap2026:
Off booksA $255.4M salary cap makes that pill go down a little easier …
(*Minus offsets)
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 4, 2024
It isn't all bad for Wilson
If anyone would like to pay me $85 million dollars to not do any work for them at all, please hit my inbox
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) March 4, 2024
Wilson posted a lengthy 'thank you' note
Thank You Broncos Country 🙏🏾 – #3 pic.twitter.com/3IoVheYVyI
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 4, 2024
And some wondered who wasn't thanked
always fun to play the Who Didn't Get Thanked In The Goodbye Letter game and this one sure is a doozy https://t.co/RnlhZsS7vn
— Bill DiFilippo (@billdifilippo) March 4, 2024
The Broncos must have been really done with Wilson
You gotta really be done with a guy to take an $85,000,000 dead money hit to send him on his way. https://t.co/e2ILpbbJPa
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 4, 2024
It certainly feels like cap money isn't real
Money's not real ever since we left the gold standard https://t.co/FdwWOnDj9o
— parker fleming (@statsowar) March 4, 2024
It could've been the worst contract in sports history
Is this the worst contract in sports history? Think about it carefully. If a guy commits a serious crime, you can void his deal. They're gonna have to pay this man his money! https://t.co/qpZU7luXR2
— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) March 4, 2024
Remember Wilson's funny sandwich commercial?
Russell Wilson Broncos Era gave us this edit pic.twitter.com/uR5i4UbKrC
— Alex 👋 (@Dubs408) March 4, 2024
Wilson could really play in Seattle
Russell Wilson should find a new team in HOURS. His talent is undeniable
pic.twitter.com/Gm6tJwJJhZ— Paul Booming (@blakebooming) March 4, 2024
We can't forget this viral moment
This may be the most memorable moment of the Russell Wilson era in Denver pic.twitter.com/AmpwvghuUu
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) March 4, 2024
And people still made the jokes
…Let's Ride https://t.co/7Z9O4ssVEy
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) March 4, 2024
A legendary Russell Wilson moment:
The Russell Wilson era may be over in Denver but we’ll always have this momentpic.twitter.com/ifu06zZCb0
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 4, 2024
The context surrounding the release remains crazy
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) March 4, 2024
The money plus the trade is amazing
$85M in dead money on top of this haul… 😬
The Russell Wilson trade might go down as one of the most lopsided deals in NFL history pic.twitter.com/AwTbr7Pt3o
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) March 4, 2024
Biggest dead cap hit ever
Largest dead cap hits in NFL history:
Russell Wilson ($85M)
Matt Ryan ($40.53M)
Aaron Rodgers ($40.31M)
Carson Wentz ($33.8M)
Russell Wilson, again ($26M)To call this historic is an understatement. https://t.co/BeQztvGEin
— Anand Nanduri (@NanduriNFL) March 4, 2024
Other fans are wondering why their teams don't take dead cap hits
If the @broncos can release Russell Wilson's dead cap hit. We should be able to get rid of juju and devantae parker. Cut the cord @Patriots
— Bradyboy12 (@TuckerRossCon) March 4, 2024
Some fans want to sign him
Hear me out….what if the Patriots sign Russell Wilson, draft MHJ at #3, draft Spencer Rattler or Joe Milton in the 4th round and let them sit and learn from him.
— GM1 (@TheeGM1) March 4, 2024
Wilson's agent did well
*calls Russell Wilson's agent* https://t.co/S5n5DndegR
— Chuck (@Brewfan0419) March 4, 2024
His Hall of Fame candidacy may come down to this moment
True or False ✍️
If the Seahawks won Super Bowl XLIX, Russell Wilson would be a lock for the Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/qwknScC9uz
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) March 4, 2024
Some fans aren't interested
Keep Russell Wilson FAR away from my franchise please and thank you.
— GSN (@GASportsNow) March 4, 2024
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