The Denver Broncos are finally free. After enduring one of the most expensive contract mistakes in NFL history, the franchise enters the 2026 offseason without the burden of Russell Wilson's dead money weighing down their salary cap. For the first time since releasing the veteran quarterback in March 2024, Denver can approach free agency with financial flexibility and a clean slate.
The End of an $85 Million Burden
When the Broncos released Wilson in 2024, they absorbed the largest dead money salary cap hit in NFL history at $85 million, spread across two seasons with $53 million in 2024 and $32 million in 2025. As the NFL's new league year begins next month, Denver will be free from Wilson's contract fallout, leaving them with minimal dead money remaining on their salary cap.
The Broncos currently have just $1.218 million in dead money this offseason, a dramatic shift from the massive cap hits they've managed over the past two years. Denver has just two former players with notable dead money cap hits in 2026—wide receiver Trent Sherfield at $850,000 and running back Audric Estime at $169,562.
Improved Cap Space and Flexibility
Denver currently enters the 2026 offseason with $27.453 million in cap space, the 12th-most in the NFL per Over The Cap, with the ability to restructure several deals to create more. This represents a significant opportunity for a team coming off a successful season that saw them reach the AFC Championship Game.
Head coach Sean Payton offered a fitting analogy for the team's improved financial situation during his end-of-season press conference. "I think, like in any case, if I said, I'm going give you $50,000 to decorate your home or $200,000, your home's going to look nicer, I think if you're a decent shopper, if you have more money," Payton said.
Players Optimistic About Spending Power
For the first time since taking a massive, $85 million dead-cap hit for releasing Russell Wilson in 2024, the Broncos are free of the debt, and players hope the club is ready to spend that money to keep the core intact.
Linebacker Alex Singleton joked Monday when asked about his goals with free agency, "We have a lot of free Russell money, right?" Singleton is one of several pivotal Broncos on defense set to hit free agency.
Running back J.K. Dobbins, who spearheaded the rushing attack before suffering a foot injury that wiped out the end of the season, is a free agent and hopes to return to Denver after his one-year prove-it deal.
The Russell Wilson Trade Disaster
The Wilson saga stands as one of the most costly mistakes in NFL history. Wilson was the focal point of a historic 2022 trade that cost the Broncos three players as well as five draft picks, netting the paltry return of two losing seasons, a coaching change and a record $85 million in dead money against the salary cap.
The Broncos signed Wilson to a five-year, $242.6 million deal after his arrival, but the partnership never produced the results Denver envisioned. The franchise went all-in on acquiring a proven quarterback, only to release him less than two years later.
Building a Contender Despite Financial Constraints
Despite the financial burden, the Broncos have managed to build a competitive roster. The resources of the Penner ownership group have enabled the Broncos to guarantee a combined $228.42 million at signing the past two offseasons in extending key players including cornerback Pat Surtain II, guard Quinn Meinerz, edge rusher Nik Bonitto, and others.
Pro Bowl left tackle Garett Bolles noted that, with Sean Payton at the helm, Bo Nix's trajectory, and money to spend, Denver should be a free-agent destination in 2026. The combination of a young, promising quarterback, strong coaching, and newfound financial flexibility positions the Broncos as an attractive landing spot for top free agents.
Looking Ahead to Free Agency
For the first time since cutting Wilson, the Broncos are about to have the ability to make big splashes in free agency. The team faces key decisions about retaining their own free agents while also having the resources to pursue external upgrades.
The Broncos must earmark some of the Wilson money to upgrade the offense, particularly adding another pass-catcher to the mix, preferably a No. 1 target who can make life easier on Bo Nix. With a young quarterback showing promise and a defense already loaded with talent, Denver has positioned itself to compete for championships despite the costly detour of the Wilson era.
The Russell Wilson chapter is finally closed for the Denver Broncos. Now, with financial freedom restored, the franchise can focus on building around Bo Nix and competing at the highest level without the ghost of past mistakes haunting their salary cap.
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