Broncos GM says he won’t comment then does on new Wilson contract

DOVE VALLEY—The Denver Broncos traded for a future Hall of Famer this winter, nabbing star quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks.

All indications are that the soon-to-be-34-year-old gunslinger will be Denver’s quarterback for a long time. Wilson only has two years left on his contract, set to become a free agent in the spring of 2024. Meaning an extension for Wilson before even playing a game at Mile High is at the top of the Broncos’ priority list.

Ahead of Wilson’s first training camp in Colorado, Broncos General Manager George Paton promised that a deal would get done.

“We all want Russell here a long time. Out of respect for his team, we will keep discussions in-house,” Paton said. “We will get a deal done.”

No timeline was given for the deal or specifics on what the contract may look like.

Wilson will make $24 million in 2022 and $27 million in 2023. With Aaron Rodgers set to get a pay bump to $59 million in 2023 and other quarterbacks around the league getting exponential raises, Wilson’s contract could be massive. Even considering his age, Rodgers just signed his contract for three years, $150.815 million, at age 38.

Wilson is 104-53-1 over his 10-year career, all with the Seahawks. He’s been named nine Pro Bowls, taken two trips to the Super Bowl, and won once. Wilson has passed for 37,059 yards, pitching 292 touchdowns to just 87 interceptions. Wilson has also rushed for 4,689 yards and 23 touchdowns.

The expectation is that the Broncos will compete right away, and make the playoffs for the first time since their Super Bowl 50 win.

“It wouldn’t have done any good to bring Russell here if we didn’t have a foundation,” Paton said. “He wouldn’t have come here to lose. Now it’s coming together. We need to keep improving.”

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