Michael Lombardi Calls Russell Wilson a “Minimum Salary Contract Guy” as Denver Broncos Offers $39 Million Respite

Russell Wilson’s stint with the Denver Broncos appears to be full of unexpected twists that ultimately led to a financial breakup. Wilson is taking an exit despite committing himself to a long-term journey with the Broncos. However, the universe had other plans as the football program declared his release announcement. As Wilson cuts ties with the Broncos, the program still owes him $39 million.

It is then media analyst, Michael Lombardi steps in labeling the player with a “minimum contract” tag. Amidst the monetary turbulence, speculations rise about Wilson’s next move.  

Russell Wilson’s rocky Denver ride!

NFL analyst, Michael Lombardi offered a perspective on Wilson’s financial situation as he navigates through the expensive separation with the Broncos at The Pat McAfee Show. Even though he signed a five-year contract worth $242.5 in 2022, Lombardi does not see much scope for Wilson to secure such high payments in the future.

To make his standpoint strong, he claimed, “Anybody who’s out there on the internet saying Russell’s going to make you know who’s they’re gonna to pay him like a starter. Nobody should, nobody should do that now.” 

Further elaborating why he says so, he ended up labeling Wilson with a specific tag, saying, “You know I can’t judge everybody but the reality of it is is whatever nickel he earns over the minimum salary he’s got to, he’s Denver gets off the hook so it isn’t his cap earning so you’re not going to pay him anymore so he’s a minimum salary contract guy.”

Hence, for the time being, Wilson will be a free agent and will remain untraded, until then the Broncos will not have to pay the due amount, worth $39 million. As per the speculations going on Broncos’ next move is reliant on quarterback, Kirk Cousins. 

Strategic prospects for the Vikings

As the countdown to free agency on March 13 intensifies, the NFL rumor mill is buzzing with the speculation of Wilson’s next landing spot. One intriguing possibility is if Cousins finds a new home in Atlanta Falcons or other programs after cutting ties with the Minnesota Vikings. However, Wilson moving into Vikings makes a compelling scenario since Minnesota is already facing constraints worth $37 million in cap space. 

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In that case, Minnesota will potentially sign Wilson for the minimum amount, approximately $1.21 million and on the other hand, extract over $37 million from the Broncos. At 35 years old, the quarterback even though will be bringing a wealth of experience also raises questions about his on-field performance. Last season marked a statistical downturn for Wilson as he amassed the fewest passing yards of his career. 

As the clock ticks towards the agency, it is to be seen whether Russell Wilson dons the Vikings jersey putting into use the strategic opportunities and financial incentives. Fans eagerly await to find out how accurate Lombardi’s analysis turns out to be.  

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