How did Russell Wilson and the Broncos get here? - ESPN

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Two years ago, the Denver Broncos pinned the future of their franchise on quarterback Russell Wilson. He arrived with great fanfare from Seattle, already boasting one Super Bowl ring and looking to get the Broncos some more hardware.

Three coaches and two losing seasons later, though, the Wilson era is over. The Broncos announced Monday that theyhave informed quarterback Russell Wilson that he will be released after the 2024 league year begins at 4 p.m.ET next Wednesday.

«We spoke with Russell Wilson today to inform him of his release after the start of the league year. On behalf of the Broncos, we thank Russell for his contributions and dedication to our team and community while wishing him the best as he continues his career,» general manager George Paton and coach Sean Payton said in a joint statement.

«As we move forward, we are focused on building the strongest team possible for the 2024 season and beyond. We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency.»

The Broncos went 11-19 in Wilson's starts over two seasons and failed to make the playoffs in both. Coach Sean Payton benched Wilson with two games remaining in 2023, a move that effectively marked the end of Wilson's career in Denver.

It all ends without Wilson reaching any of the goals set. These are the key moments that defined Wilson's rocky tenure along the way:

March 16, 2022: Wilson was formally introduced following a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks. Denver gave up five draft picks and three starters in exchange for Wilson and a draft pick.

«This is a gift for me. I'm so grateful to be around such amazing people,» Wilson said. «My goal is to play 10 or 12