Broncos to release QB Wilson when new league year begins
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Two years ago, Russell Wilson exuberantly declared he intended to play a dozen years in Denver and double the trio of Lombardi Trophies in the Broncos’ lobby.
General manager George Paton was equally dizzy, thrilled to send four premium draft picks and three players to Seattle for a younger, healthier version of Peyton Manning and excited to sign the Super Bowl-winning quarterback to that $242 million extension six months later.
Acquiring Wilson turned out to be the biggest miscalculation in franchise history. He won just 11 of his 30 starts and witnessed both the coaching and quarterback carousels continue to churn in Denver, which hasn’t been to the playoffs since winning Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7, 2016.
Wilson endured his worst season under Nathaniel Hackett in 2022 and bounced back under Sean Payton in 2023 only to get benched for Jarrett Stidham for the final two games.
On Monday, the Broncos informed Wilson they’d release him next week when the new league year begins.
“We thank Russell for his contributions and dedications to our team and community while wishing him the best as he continues his career,” the team posted on its social media channels, adding, “We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency.”
Wilson thanked Broncos fans and teammates on social media posts, and issued individual shout-outs to a few of them, including left tackle Garett Bolles and receivers Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Brandon Johnson and Tim Patrick.
“Court, I’ll never forget your one-handed catch in LA and your toe-tap in Buffalo. Bolles, you always wrapping your arm around me win or lose. Brandon Johnson, your relentless work ethic. Jeu, you snagging and high pointing that ball in KC!” Wilson wrote on social media.
Wilson also praised Patrick and running back Javonte Williams for their attitudes during arduous rehabs and thanked locker room attendants and other staff.
“Tough times don’t last but tough people do,” Wilson concluded. “God’s got me. I am excited for what’s next.”
He signed off, “#3”.
EVANS RE-SIGNS WITH TAMPA
TAMPA, Fla. — Mike Evans’ wish to play his entire NFL career with the Bucs could come true.
The five-time Pro Bowl receiver has agreed to two-year contract, only a few days after saying he planned to test free agency.
Evans, 30, agreed to a two-year, $52 million contract, according to agent Deryk Gilmore, who told ESPN it includes $35 million guaranteed.
The signing of Evans also could provide momentum for the Bucs to re-sign pending freeagent quarterback Baker Mayfield.
This is his third contract since being drafted by the Bucs during the first round in 2014 out of Texas A&M. Evans has produced 10 straight seasons of 1,000 yards receiving or more, an NFL record to start a career. The contract would make Evans’ the fourth-highest paid receiver in the league in terms of average salary per year, behind only the Dolphins’ Hill ($30 million annually), the Raiders’ Davante Adams ($28 million) and the Rams’ Cooper Kupp ($26.7 million).
Evans could be the first domino to fall in an attempt to retain the club’s best free agents. Tampa Bay could elect to use the franchise player tag on safety Antoine Winfield Jr. by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline.
Mayfield previously referred to re-signing Evans as Step 2 in a process to bring the quarterback back to Tampa Bay. Step 1 was the hiring of former Rams passing game coordinator Liam Coen, someone Mayfield worked with for five games in Los Angeles in 2022 who will bring a similar offensive system to the Bucs.
As of Monday morning, the Bucs had not had any discussions with Mayfield’s representatives since leaving the NFL scouting combine.