Mike Florio provides precedent for potential Russell Wilson contract disposal trade
Russell Wilson steered the Denver Broncos to their best season since Peyton Manning's in 2014. Despite his role in the team's first-ever victory over Patrick Mahomes, the team is pondering his future.
On one hand, Wilson's contract provides a reason to stay put. On the other hand, Mike Florio has provided a precedent for what a salary dump trade could look like.
Speaking on Pro Football Talk, Florio spoke about the cost for the Rams to cut ties with Jared Goff after the 2020 season:
"They gave up a first round pick, as a practical matter... to get him off the books," Florio said. "It was a one and a three for Stafford and a one for the Lions to take on [the] Jared Goff contract. Now Goff gets a chance to prove that that Sean McVay got it wrong when giving up on him when he did." [13:23:13:51]
If the Denver Broncos were to go down this route for somewhat of the same price, it would effectively add another first-round pick to the already sky-high cost of the Russell Wilson era.
How much did Russell Wilson cost?
The Broncos traded quarterback Drew Lock, defensive tackle Shelby Harris, and tight end Noah Fant, as well as five draft picks. Two of the picks were first-rounders, and two were second-rounders. Denver also sent away a fifth-round pick. In exchange, they got Russell Wilson and a fourth-round pick.
Making a salary dump trade for the net cost of another first-round pick would mean that Russell Wilson cost three first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, and three players, including a quarterback.
The quarterback has earned $29 million in salary and a $50 million signing bonus over the last two years. According to Spotrac, he could make up to $242 million if the Broncos stick with him for the duration of the contract.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit Pro Football Talk and H/T Sportskeeda.