The Denver Broncos are enjoying one of the best runs in their recent seasons. Under head coach Sean Payton, they have a 6-2 win-loss record, first in the competitive AFC West division. But recently, news came that spelled doom for the franchise. It’s related to Russell Wilson.

NFL insider Albert Breer tweeted the teams with the lowest cap space. The Broncos have the 8th-lowest cap space, only $5.07 million. It leaves almost no space to sign new players. The obvious question is, how are they so low? Let’s find out the answer.

When the Broncos traded for Wilson in March 2022, they believed they were landing the final piece to a Super Bowl run. The deal cost Denver two first-round picks, two second-rounders, a fifth-round pick, and three players (quarterback Drew Lock, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, and tight end Noah Fant). Before Wilson had even played a down, the Broncos doubled down by giving him a five-year, $245 million extension, including $165 million in total guarantees.

The contract paid him an average of $49 million per year, placing him among the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks. Expectations were sky-high. Denver finally thought it had found its next Peyton Manning. But what followed was nothing short of a disaster.

After a disastrous 5–12 record in the 2022 season, things slightly improved in 2023 when veteran coach Sean Payton took over, but tensions quickly surfaced. Payton demanded structure and discipline, while Wilson preferred his familiar improvisational style. Statistically, Wilson bounced back, 26 touchdowns to 8 interceptions, but the relationship between the two never clicked.

Reports leaked that Payton had grown frustrated with Wilson’s reluctance to adapt and his tendency to extend plays rather than take quick throws. Despite Wilson’s improved numbers, Denver still finished 8–9 and missed the playoffs again. By the end of the season, Payton and team ownership had lost faith. The Broncos benched Wilson late in the year, partly to avoid triggering injury guarantees in his contract.

The decision made it clear. His time in Denver was over. On March 13, 2024, the Broncos officially released Russell Wilson, triggering one of the largest financial penalties in NFL history. Denver absorbed an $85 million dead cap hit, split across two seasons, $53 million in 2024 and $32 million in 2025. In total, the Broncos paid Wilson $85 million over two years, while receiving only 11 wins in return, including a postseason victory.

Now, the fans are blaming the franchise for not thinking through the process.

Broncos’ fans are still heartbroken over the Russell Wilson debacle

One fan directly pointed out the money the Broncos are paying him. “Broncos are still paying Russ $32mil this year, so next year that cap looks way better,” he mentioned.

Another fan was hopeful about a better future next year once the past dues are cleared. Telling everyone not to take things lightly, he commented, “Russ is still taking up some of Denver’s cap.. wait till next offseason 😈.”

Russell Wilson’s stint at the Broncos was more problematic as they failed to qualify for the playoffs in both seasons. It’s the only reason the fans don’t want the team to suffer anymore because of him. “Can’t wait to get Russ off our books,” another fan wrote.

All the fans who saw the team’s restricted cap space were disappointed. “The Russell Wilson trade is still hurting,” this one line by another supporter shows the common fan among the fanbase. Once Mr Unlimited moved on, the rookie Bo Nix took the team into the playoffs last year. This year, too, they have a strong chance of making it to the postseason.

However, one fan praised the leadership for still managing $5 million. He mentioned, “Denver not being 1 is impressive by ownership. Survived the Russ debacle.” That’s true. Not only the financial part, but they are playing well, too.

All in all, Wilson’s contract will serve as a reminder for other teams willing to sign big contracts.