Fact Check: Did Russell Wilson Truly Accept His Paycut Amidst Speculation of Broncos’ $85M Dead Cap?

Christmas Eve was a nightmare for the Denver Broncos. In a game where Broncos Country thought that their team would finally move from a 0.500 score to a winning score, the dream failed to materialize. Instead, they lost to the team placed at the bottom of their conference – the New England Patriots, who were 3-11 going into the matchup, while the Broncos were 7-7.

The heartbreaking loss gave rise to rumors that quarterback Russell Wilson had finally decided to accept a pay cut to compensate for his team’s miserable season. But did that really happen, or is he the latest target of fake news?

Russell Wilson did not accept a pay cut, although he might

Broncos Breakdown by Chat Sports took to YouTube to release a video wherein the rumors around his salary were addressed. As it turns out, Russell Wilson did not take a pay cut. But if he does do it, he will be doing it voluntarily. Although there have been some talks of it, things are still up in the air regarding it.

And this would not be without precedent. Graham Glasgow, who played as a Guard for the Broncos, took a pay cut last year. His $8.7 million salary was reduced to $3.1 million. But then he was eventually let go by the Broncos, and he went on to join the Detroit Lions. Some believe that a similar fate awaits Russ. But can Denver afford an $85 million dead cap hit?

Will the Broncos cut Russell Wilson?

Russell Wilson has been the subject of vicious rumors. He is yet to find his footing with the Broncos for the second straight season. Some said that he should be benched, while some believed that he should be cut from the team entirely. If he is on the Broncos’ roster on March 21, next year, that would mean that his $37 million salary for that season will become fully guaranteed. Could this be the date that he will be shown the door?

It seems highly unlikely as Sean Payton cannot afford the dead money that will hit Denver’s salary cap if they decide to part ways with Wilson. If the Broncos release him after the June 1 deadline, next year, he will carry a $35.4 million dead-cap hit in that year alone. Then 2025 and 2026 would come with $18.4 million and the following year with a dead-money hit of $8.4 million. But what if he is let go before the June 1 deadline? The Broncos will have to bear a dead-money hit of $85 million!

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And Payton has revealed no sign of letting his QB go so soon. If anything he expressed his confidence in Russ following the Patriots’ loss. “I was proud of how he battled, especially when we were down two touchdowns. He is fighting and gets us back in it.” Can Broncos Country show the same faith in their QB as their head coach has faith in him?

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