Russell Wilson’s $85M Broncos Exit Diminishes Caleb Williams’ Leverage as Commanders Discover a Win-Win Situation

The quarterback of the Denver Broncos has been released and this could easily change the whole gameplan of the NFL Draft. Russell Wilson was with the Broncos for 2 seasons before the team finalized his release and will now be a free agent. This leaves a lot of teams with the option to consider their chances with the QB, making it a tougher situation for the number 1 draft QB- Caleb Williams.

Russell Wilson signed on with the Denver Broncos on a 5-year deal with a $245 million extension. But the signing didn’t prove to be as beneficial as the team wanted since the Broncos went 13-21 during the two seasons of Wilson and last season, HC Sean Payton started to play Jarrett Stidham instead. This showed cracks within the Broncos and Wilson’s relationship and now the wall finally broke open. Now that he’s also a QB prospect in the market, the dominance of Caleb Williams in the Draft will take a major hit as teams like the Commanders get to reconsider their options.

Will the Washington Commanders end up choosing the pair of Daniels-Wilson rather than Williams?

The USC Trojans’ quarterback is the face of the upcoming NFL Draft as his name continues to headline all media fronts. Caleb Williams is projected to be the number 1 QB Draft prospect at this year’s Draft due to an exceptional performance in the 2023 season. Moreover, he’s already projected to land with the Chicago Bears since they hold the number 1 draft pick.

But the Washington Commanders have the option of trading up in the hopes of landing Williams and yet, it seems like an opportunity of the past since Wilson just became available as well. The Commanders could pick Jayden Daniels at number 2 and also sign Wilson and land a double-trouble combination which could be more fruitful than the signing of Caleb Williams.

Here’s Keyshawn Johnson weighing in on the matter. He said, “What I would say is, maybe there’s a Jaden Daniels that career becomes different or better than Caleb Williams and now maybe. you can sit back and you can say, “I’ll go get me either quarterback. I don’t have to give up a lot if Chicago is going to play this Bluff game and I got to go up and get him but maybe they’re not and I can sit back and take my chance and wait and if they do take Calen, then maybe CJ Stroud like, falls into my lap in Jayden Daniels and if I’m not ready to play Jayden Daniels, there’s a guy out there named Russell Wilson that is not going to cost me much and I can insert him into the lineup while Jaden Daniels kind of sits back. Plays the Jordan love role and eventually you give way to him and he’s sitting on the sideline waiting to go.”

With all that said, here’s a look at Russell Wilson and his unfortunate departure from the Broncos, which is going to cost the team over $85 million.

Releasing Russell Wilson will cost the Broncos a shocking $85 million

The exit of Russell Wilson is the end of an era for the Broncos. The Denver Broncos will suffer an NFL record of a staggering $85 million in dead money for releasing the 35-year-old quarterback. Additionally, Wilson signed a 5-year, $242 million extension deal with the Broncos in 2022.

In a recent statement, Broncos general manager George Paton and coach Sean Payton released a joint statement that said, “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. 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.” Thus, the QB will be moving to the next team soon and the fans can only hope that the duo of Wilson-Daniels comes true.

Read more: NFL Combine: Jim Harbaugh’s Wonderboy Blake Corum Destroys Expectations by Equalling Joe Alt’s Record

Will Wilson end up with the Washington Commanders? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.