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DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 31: Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos warms up prior to a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field At Mile High on December 31, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos’ season ended one win short of the Super Bowl, falling 10-7 to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
While the loss was a bitter one, it immediately ushered in a long-awaited turning point for the franchise.
For the first time since 2022, Denver is officially free from the financial burden of Russell Wilson’s contract.
This clears the final hurdle from one of the most restrictive deals in NFL history.
Wilson’s release came with historic consequences, including an $85 million dead cap hit spread across the last two seasons.
That pain officially ends once the new league year begins.
With the Broncos’ postseason run now complete, the franchise finally moves forward without carrying any financial residue from the failed quarterback experiment.
This quietly reshapes Denver’s entire offseason outlook.
Denver Broncos Finally Gain Full Financial Flexibility
With the Russell Wilson’s dead cap officially off the books, the Denver Broncos enter the spring with legitimate spending power and rare roster stability.
Most of the Broncos’ core contributors are already under contract, particularly on a defense that ranked among the NFL’s best.
That combination gives general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton the freedom to be aggressive on offense.
Outside of Evan Engram and Courtland Sutton, Denver does not have many skill position players carrying significant cap numbers into next season.
That opens the door for a splash move at wide receiver or running back, two areas that were exposed late in the postseason due to injuries.
Offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey remains the lone major offensive free-agent investment of the Payton era.
As left tackle Garett Bolles recently explained, the Denver Broncos already believe they have “the best offensive line in football,” a “phenomenal quarterback,” and a “dominant” defense.
Bolles acknowledged the need for “a couple more playmakers” to elevate the offense.
With franchise quarterback Bo Nix still having two years left on his rookie deal, Denver is now positioned to spend aggressively without compromising future flexibility.
What Comes Next for Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson has made it clear he is not ready to walk away from football.
After completing his 14th NFL season, the 37-year-old quarterback said he plans to continue playing in 2026 when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in March.
“Yeah, I’m not blinking,” Wilson told ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
“I know what I’m capable of. I think I showed that in Dallas.”
Wilson pointed to his Week 2 performance against the Cowboys when he completed 73.2% of his passes for 450 yards and three touchdowns.
He later revealed he played through a Grade 2 hamstring tear for much of the year:
“I had to play on it no matter what,” Wilson said.
While Wilson’s days as a clear-cut starter appear behind him, he has shown no interest in retirement.
The former Super Bowl champion is expected to explore backup or bridge-quarterback opportunities this offseason.
But finally, the Denver Broncos no longer have to worry about Wilson anymore.
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