The Denver Broncos faced a critical moment in their recent history when they acquired quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks, later signing him to a massive contract. The signing took place after the Cleveland Browns set a new standard with Deshaun Watson’s $230 million fully guaranteed deal, creating a tense environment for quarterback contracts across the NFL. However, the Broncos escaped what could have been a financially catastrophic commitment when Wilson initially demanded an even larger $350 million fully guaranteed contract.
Following Watson’s landmark deal, Wilson was traded to the Broncos and signed a five-year contract worth $242 million, including $161 million guaranteed. While this deal was already exorbitant and widely regarded as an overpayment for Wilson’s performance in Denver, it was notably less severe than what Wilson originally sought. As reported by Mike Klis of Denver 9 News, the quarterback had pushed for a fully guaranteed seven-year contract valued at $350 million. This demand only came to light through a 61-page document uncovered by Pablo Torre during an NFL investigation into possible collusion related to quarterback contract negotiations.
The Collusion Investigation and Its Impact on Quarterback Deals
Wilson’s contract negotiations happened amid league-wide scrutiny over potential collusion following the unprecedented Watson deal. Several quarterbacks’ contracts became focal points in the investigation, with Wilson’s massive payday request highlighting the high stakes involved. If Denver had agreed to Wilson’s initial $350 million demand, it would have ranked as one of the worst trades and contracts in professional sports history. While the Browns’ Watson agreement is often cited as a cautionary tale, the Broncos were on the brink of eclipsing it with Wilson’s demand.
How the Broncos Avoided Financial Disaster
The Broncos’ decision to counter Wilson’s gargantuan ask with a lower figure ultimately prevented a much deeper financial crisis. Wilson’s tenure in Denver was disappointing on the field, and signing him to nearly $200 million more than the eventual deal would have severely hindered the franchise’s flexibility for years to come. Instead, despite the hefty contract they did sign, Denver remains a competitive team with aspirations to contend in the AFC playoffs by 2025.
The Watson deal shocked many league observers, who regarded the fully guaranteed contract as an outlier rather than a new norm. Had Wilson’s $350 million fully guaranteed contract materialized, the Broncos would currently be grappling with a far higher dead cap hit, projected at $32 million in 2025 but potentially much greater with a longer-term arrangement.
Long-Term Consequences and What Lies Ahead for Denver
Though Wilson’s contract still ranks as a regrettable commitment, the Broncos dodged a bullet by not agreeing to his original terms. The team’s ability to rebound from the trade and remain playoff contenders into the mid-2020s underlines the importance of financial prudence, especially in the quarterback market. As the Broncos prepare for the coming seasons, their management of past contract decisions will significantly influence their capability to assemble a winning roster.