The Denver Broncos did not want to wait a season or two before extending quarterback Russell Wilson‘s tenure.
Instead, they wanted to lock him in for the long term, and they did.
Both sides agreed to a five-year, $245 million deal, making him a Bronco for seven more years.
That timeframe should be long enough for him to deliver his ultimate goal: bring another Super Bowl to the Mile High City.
The contract extension also makes Wilson the second-highest paid player in the league in terms of annual average value.
Wilson’s credentials provide solid justification for this massive contract.
Aside from being a Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks, he is also a one-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowler.
Likewise, NFL Network’s James Palmer puts his career into perspective, making him one of the best quarterbacks at present.
Since Russell Wilson entered the NFL in 2012: pic.twitter.com/fknw7R2E5h
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) September 1, 2022
Since he entered the league in 2012, he is second in wins, fourth in passing yards per attempt, third in touchdowns, and fifth in passer rating.
While he doesn’t dominate passer rating over the past decade, he still leads the league in an impressive category, as NFL on CBS shared.
Most games with a 100+ QB Rating over the last 5 seasons
Russell Wilson 45
Tom Brady 42
Aaron Rodgers 40
Kirk Cousins 40 pic.twitter.com/DsgjUJ2ECx— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 1, 2022
On the other hand, ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter pointed out that it’s good to be a franchise player for a Denver sports team.
🏀Nikola Jokic: 5-years, $264M extension on July 1.
🏈Russell Wilson: 5-years, $245M extension on September 1.
Pretty good summer for franchise players in Denver…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2022
Effects Of Wilson’s Contract Extension
Aside from being the second-highest paid quarterback in the NFL, Wilson’s deal solidifies the ceiling for the quarterback market.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz has no issues about Wilson’s new contract, and says he will put the league on notice in 2022.
Worth every penny and oh by the way, this is the year Russell Wilson finally earns some MVP votes! 💰🥇🐎 https://t.co/6joODku6dK
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 1, 2022
Meanwhile, former sports agent Joel Corry would like to know an important detail about Wilson’s mega-extension.
I'm curious about how much of Russell Wilson's $165M is fully guaranteed at signing. Kyler Murray's $103.3M was the 2nd most ever fully guaranteed when he signed. https://t.co/TTvQQstTyn
— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) September 1, 2022
Finally, Ari Meirov of Pro Football Focus pointed out the adverse effect of Wilson’s signing on the current contract negotiations between Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
If Lamar Jackson wants a fully-guaranteed contract like Deshaun Watson… Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray not coming close to doing the same did not help him.
Would imagine Baltimore’s front office is hammering that home now in negotiations. Watson’s deal has been an outlier.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 1, 2022
While this deal will solidify Jackson’s asking price, he might not get what he ultimately wants.
NEXT: NFL Insider Reveals Massive Russell Wilson Update