ENGLEWOOD, Colo — Russell Wilson is gone, but that doesn't mean the pain from his departure will quickly go away.
The Broncos officially released the quarterback on Wednesday, which was no surprise as the team announced last week that it would. A minor surprise was the Broncos decided to split up his record-setting $85 million dead-cap hit into absorbing $53 million this season and $32 million in 2025. The expectation was the Broncos would split up the $85 million so they would absorb $35.4 million in 2024 and $49.6 million in 2025.
Broncos owner Greg Penner, head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton decided the quicker to get out from under Wilson's contract, the better.
One source said the decision to take the 53-32 split was based on what gives the team the best chance to win in 2024 and 2025 -- a thought process that includes forecasting the salary cap, roster maintenance and future contract considerations. The source said the 53-32 split was decided upon before the start of free agency.
It also explains why the Broncos for the first time in years, if not decades, had more substantial player subtractions from the first wave of free agency than additions.
Since the free-agent negotiating period opened Monday, the Broncos have said goodbye to five starters -- Wilson, receiver Jerry Jeudy and center Lloyd Cushenberry III on offense, and safety Justin Simmons and inside linebacker Josey Jewell on defense. The team also let go of top reserves Chris Manhertz, a tight end, and defensive lineman Jonathan Harris, and is allowing two other 2023 starters, nose tackle Mike Purcell and cornerback Fabian Moreau, to leave for free agency.
Only two significant players were added, and both were previous backups who project as future starters - safety Brandon Jones and defensive tackle Malcolm Roach.
The Broncos did re-sign several of their own free agents in P.J. Locke, Adam Trautman, Michael Burton and Lil'Jordan Humphrey.
But more money players went out than came in. The Broncos further made room for Wilson's dead cap by converting large salaries into pro-rated bonuses for right tackle Mike McGlinchey, defensive tackle Zach Allen and left guard Ben Powers.
As for replacing Wilson at quarterback, the Broncos expressed interest in free-agent Sam Darnold but backed off once his 2024 payout request of $10 million became known. The Broncos may still add a veteran quarterback -- Jimmy Garoppolo and Ryan Tannehill are available in free agency and it's possible the likes of Sam Howell, Zach Wilson and Justin Fields come be placed on the trading block -- but current quarterback Jarrett Stidham is the leading starting candidate.
The Broncos also figure to use their No. 12 overall draft pick on a quarterback. J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. seem to be the next tier of quarterbacks after the Big Three of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels who figure to go in the top three picks.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Sports