Yes, the Denver Broncos are dumping Russell Wilson, but the team is politely opening the front door for the quarterback and closing it gently behind him.
The Broncos will not officially release Wilson until the NFL’s new league year begins on March 13. That will allow Denver to designate the release as a post-June 1 cut, making the salary cap hit a little easier to handle.
Technically, because he is still under contract with the Broncos until the release becomes official, talking with other teams before he is released would be considered tampering — unless Denver gives permission for such talks.
The Broncos have done just that, giving Wilson and his agent permission to immediately begin talking with other teams, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. In theory, the quarterback could reach an agreement with his next team as early as today, but a deal can’t be officially signed before Wilson is officially released next week.
Wilson should draw plenty of interest, in part because of his affordable price tag (thanks to Denver). The Pittsburgh Steelers are considered the favorites the sign Wilson, but he should have multiple options.
The Broncos, meanwhile, are now left to find Wilson’s replacement. Expect the team to explore QB options both in free agency and in the draft this spring.
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