The Denver Broncos are being sold for a record $4.5 billion. The new owner will reportedly be Robert Walton, one of the heirs of Walmart founder Sam Walton. When Walton assumes the day-to-day operation, he’ll have some pressing issues to address. But none will be more imperative than getting Russell Wilson signed to a new lucrative deal.
With Wilson’s 2022 and 2023 salary set at $35 million per, the Broncos are on the hook for $41 million of the $70 million owed to the former Seahawks stalwart signal caller. Wilson is entering year three of his four-year, $140 million extension signed with Seattle in 2019.
🎯🎯🎯#BroncosOTAs x @DangeRussWilson pic.twitter.com/GNVHlNwwpO
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 6, 2022
Denver sports reporter Mike Klis recently addressed what a new deal for Russell Wilson would probably look like.
“The first order of business for the new owner will be to sign Russell Wilson to a contract extension. Five years, and $250 million will be his asking price.”
Klis is in the know when it comes to Denver sports, but quick to caution that these are his projected salary numbers and the details of an actual extension offer for the Super Bowl QB is still up in the air.
Wilson Brings Light To A Rather Dim Position
While Klis is giving his opinion on what a contract might look like for Wilson next go-round, let’s not forget he’s 33 and when his current deal runs out he’ll be 35. Not really old for a QB of his caliber if you consider his ability to stay healthy and raise the play of a team. New ownership will have to pay up to keep Wilson in the “Mile High City.” There will be other suitors.
When you consider what the team relinquished to acquire Wilson — three starters (Drew Lock, Noah Fant and Shelby Harris), plus two first-round picks, two second-round picks and a fifth-round pick — it’s highly likely Wilson finishes his career playing in the city with the picturesque Rocky Mountains in the background.
Another reason Wilson will see the bag is the putrid play the team has received at the games most important position since Peyton Manning retired following a Super Bowl 50 win in 2015. Wilson will be the twelfth starting QB under center since “Omaha Manning” hung up the cleats. And when you put the other 11’s stats up against the future Hall of Famer Wilson, even combined they don’t add up.
The expectancy is now with Wilson at the command, the Broncos will challenge the Kansas City Chiefs for AFC West supremacy and the AFC as a whole in the Super Bowl picture. With loads of talent on both sides of the football, Denver just needed someone to lead them. Wilson is one of the game’s best and his cerebral play will be a welcome sight at the new “Mike High Field.”
Hey Mile High, Let’s Ride! Day 1. pic.twitter.com/WinWJg6uV5
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 26, 2022
Wilson Brings Accolades And A Winning Acumen
In his 10-year career Wilson has made magic happen on the field. After a few years as a “game manager” with a great defense and running game, the handcuffs came off and the saying “Let Russ Cook,” was born.
Wilson led the Seahawks to two straight SB appearances, winning one and eight playoff appearances. The record-breaking QB boasts a 104-53-1 career record, over 37,000 passing yards, 292 touchdowns and just 87 interceptions. Wilson prides himself on taking care of the football, something the Broncos have struggled with since Manning retired in 2015.
New head coach Nathaniel Hackett says the system will showcase Wilson’s talents as a passer and runner (at times). The two have the utmost respect for one another, which bodes well going forward. In fact, Wilson raved about Hackett’s system and teaching in April.
“Obviously our off-the-field chemistry has been good, but our on-the-field relationship … it’s a blessing,” said Russ of the second NFL head coach he’s ever had.
“He’s an amazing teacher. I think everybody is learning at such a rapid pace and an exponential rate. He just brings great energy. He’s young, he’s vibrant and he brings that intelligence to the game. He has a great pedigree, and he wants to win, too. Our relationship is really tight.”
With Denver going all in on Wilson, he’s sure to get paid a hefty some to remain at the helm with the Broncos.
