ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — It's been one year since the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks made one of the biggest trades in NFL history.
The Seahawks traded quarterback Russell Wilson to the Broncos on March 8, 2022, kicking off a new era for both teams.
The Broncos received Wilson, a perennial Pro Bowl quarterback and one-time Super Bowl champion, and a fourth-round draft pick.
To get their new starting quarterback, the Broncos sent quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, two first round picks, two second round picks and a fifth round pick to Seattle.
> Above video: Chris Simms on Wilson's first year in Denver
Expectations immediately soared across Broncos Country as news of the blockbuster trade spread through the sports world.
Following the trade, the Broncos' Super Bowl odds soared to the fourth best in the National Football League, behind only the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.
After dropping 13 consecutive games to the Chiefs, Broncos fans believed Wilson would finally give the team a fair shot in the divisional fight against quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid.
A sports radio station welcomed Wilson to "Broncos Land" with billboards in Colorado on the day of the trade. Wilson did, in fact, have nine Pro Bowl selections in his 10 seasons and 165 consecutive NFL starts.
On Sept. 1, the Broncos and Wilson reached a five-year, $245 million contract extension on top of his existing two-year contract. The new contract included $165 million of guaranteed money.
Wilson's total seven-year contract would be worth $296 million — or $42.3 million per year — including an existing $24 million in 2022 and $27 million in 2023.
The Broncos were able to lock up their QB1 through at least 2028 before he had even taken a game snap wearing the Broncos' orange and blue.
Russell Wilson
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