Pat McAfee Backs Sean Payton’s Salary Cap Approach Amidst Russell Wilson’s $85M Hit: “Now Is the Best Time”

While the whole world is criticizing the Denver Broncos and Sean Payton on their decision to release Russell Wilson, some people think that releasing him was the correct decision for the side. One name among this perspective is the former NFL punter, Pat McAfee. The Denver team, in releasing Wilson took on the greatest dead cap hit ($85 million) in the history of the NFL.

Some people think that this is the biggest risk the Denver Broncos have taken to date, but Pat McAfee has backed the Denver team’s decision and thinks that now is as good time as any to “kick the can” down the street. With about a $30 million increase in cap space this year, the $85 million dead money doesn’t look bad keeping various scenarios under view.

Pat McAfee thinks that the Broncos were right to give up Russell Wilson

The host started by pointing out how Russell Wilson will have to play for about roughly a $1.2 million salary on any team he chooses. A lot of teams would be interested in hiring Wilson so they can build their team around his talent. But McAfee thinks that the Broncos’ decision to release Wilson was right.

He explained by pointing out how the cap space is increasing every year and lingering with the decision would only delay the situation to a bigger amount. At least by the decision right now, at some point shortly, the Broncos will eventually be able to catch up to the cap space.

McAfee pointed out that the cap space increasing by $30 million each year will allow teams like the Broncos will not have a hard time “kicking the can” (taking dead cap) over and over till they can rebuild the team and be in a more lucrative position.

McAfee still dubbed these actions as a “wild move.” He then backed Payton by saying that the Broncos HC is wary of future cap changes and would have plenty of resources in the future to revamp his team. “Kicking the can down the road right now is the best time to do it,” is what McAfee expressed. But what about the Denver Broncos’ current QB status?

READ MORE- The Russell Wilson Wave: How His Broncos Exit Sparks a QB Domino Effect in the NFL

Denver Broncos chasing the next high

Right now, the Broncos could be desperate for a new QB, and with prospects like JJ McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix running free, the Broncos have quite a few options on their plate. However, apart from looking at the NFL Combine, the Denver team might even consider some internal hiring from the league itself.

Some other options include Sam Darnold, the Niners QB. Gardner Minshew is another QB who is turning a free agent this year. Also, Justin Fields is facing some problems with the Chicago Bears and is on the cusp of being traded. He might find himself playing for the Denver Broncos, but those are just speculations.

Where on the one hand Russell Wilson just has to sit around, make his money, and watch things unfold, the Broncos on the other have a lot on their plate, and hiring a QB is one of the most pressing issues with the team.

READ MORE- Released From Broncos, Russell Wilson Would Reportedy Flourish at Pittsburgh Steelers ‘Facing Joe Burrow Lamar Jackson &Co.’