Russell Wilson experienced immense success as the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, yet his tenure with the Denver Broncos was marred by struggles. As both teams are currently reaping the rewards of their respective decisions to part ways with Wilson, they stand as the No. 1 seeds in the 2025-2026 NFL playoffs, highlighting the strategic timing of their moves.
Back in March 2022, the Seahawks executed a high-profile trade with the Broncos, securing multiple first-round draft picks in exchange for Wilson. This trade allowed Seattle to avoid incurring a $37 million salary-cap hit that would have accompanied keeping him. Instead, they saved $11 million against the cap and absorbed the remaining $26 million in dead money. With Wilson’s four-year, $140 million contract expiring in 2023, the Seahawks were spared from needing to negotiate another expensive extension.
In Wilson’s absence, Seattle turned to backup quarterback Geno Smith, who played on a modest $3 million contract in 2022. This move minimized the immediate financial impact of Wilson’s contract while enabling the Seahawks to build a more dynamic team. Although the veterans brought over in the trade had limited impact, the draft picks acquired proved invaluable. Seattle landed key players, including first-round selections left tackle Charles Cross and cornerback Devon Witherspoon, along with edge rushers Boye Mafe and Derick Hall. These choices contributed greatly to the Seahawks’ strong defensive lineup.
Seattle’s General Manager John Schneider made shrewd choices, enhancing team salary flexibility and allowing for the addition of significant reclamation players like defensive tackle Leonard Williams and edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence. The team’s ability to extend Smith’s contract while upgrading to quarterback Sam Darnold set the Seahawks on a path for future success.
Conversely, the Broncos faced a hefty dead money hit when they released Wilson after an underwhelming two seasons, significantly impacting their financial flexibility. They dealt with a $53 million hit in 2024 and an additional $32 million in 2025, hampering their ability to engage in free agency. Nevertheless, under GM George Paton, the team had cultivated a solid core of young talent before Wilson’s departure, which proved beneficial as they progressed.
Paton successfully drafted top cornerback Pat Surtain II in 2021 and later secured star edge rusher Nik Bonitto despite missing a first-round draft pick in 2022. With a greater need for a franchise quarterback, the Broncos made the strategic move of selecting Bo Nix in the first round of the 2024 draft. This decision provided them with a promising signal-caller on a rookie contract, easing the financial burden associated with Wilson’s previous contract.
In the aftermath of releasing Wilson, the Broncos optimized their budget and draft picks, acquiring various impactful defensive players, including Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers. The strong coaching staff, led by head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, is effectively leveraging the talent available to them, enabling Denver to recover from Wilson’s disappointing tenure.
In summary, both the Seahawks and the Broncos have successfully navigated the aftermath of their respective decisions regarding Russell Wilson, enjoying substantial improvements in their performances and positioning. Their foresight in managing salary cap implications and building robust rosters signals a positive outlook for both franchises as they enter the playoffs as strong contenders.