The Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos are both enjoying tremendous success in the NFL playoffs following the departure of quarterback Russell Wilson. Remarkably, both teams have secured the respective NFC and AFC No. 1 seeds for the 2025-2026 playoffs. This shift can be traced back to strategic decisions made regarding Wilson nearly four years ago.
Seahawks’ Strategic Trade of Russell Wilson
In March 2022, the Seahawks executed a major trade with the Broncos. This deal involved multiple first-round draft picks and relieved the team of a potential $37 million salary-cap hit. By trading Wilson, the Seahawks saved $11 million against the cap, accepting $26 million in dead money. This move allowed them to avoid a costly contract extension, as Wilson’s four-year, $140 million deal expired in 2023.
In 2022, the Seahawks started Geno Smith, Wilson’s former backup, on a much lower salary of $3 million. This strategic decision provided flexibility while the team rebuilt its roster. The Seahawks also capitalized on the trade, drafting key players like left tackle Charles Cross and cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Edge rushers Boye Mafe and Derick Hall contributed significantly to the team’s strong defensive line.
- Key Players Acquired:
- Charles Cross (LT)
- Devon Witherspoon (CB)
- Boye Mafe (Edge Rusher)
- Derick Hall (Edge Rusher)
- Salary Cap Improvement:
- Saved $11 million in 2022
- Avoided a large extension for Wilson
Broncos’ Recovery After Wilson’s Release
The Broncos also made a bold decision to release Wilson after two underwhelming seasons. This release required the team to absorb a large dead money hit, spread across two years, with $53 million allocated for 2024 and $32 million for 2025. Despite these financial setbacks and losing significant draft picks in the initial Wilson trade, the Broncos managed to maintain a core of young talent.
General Manager George Paton successfully drafted key players like cornerback Pat Surtain II and edge rusher Nik Bonitto. The Broncos also enhanced their offensive line, enabling them to recover quickly by drafting Bo Nix, a promising quarterback who fits under the salary cap.
- Key Players Developed:
- Pat Surtain II (CB)
- Nik Bonitto (Edge Rusher)
- Bo Nix (QB)
- Financial Management:
- Dead money costs from Wilson’s release
- Strategic recruitment of veterans for defense
In Summary
The Seahawks and Broncos have both found success following their respective decisions around Russell Wilson. Their strategies—trading and releasing Wilson—have allowed them to build stronger, more flexible teams. As they advance in the playoffs, both franchises serve as examples of how critical roster management and decision-making can shape a team’s future.
