Will Guaranteed Dollars Guarantee a Super Bowl?

09/02/2022 Will Guaranteed Dollars Guarantee a Super Bowl?

By: Matthew Cahill

Denver and Russell Wilson Agree to Five-year, $245 Million Extension

Back when the Broncos traded for Russell Wilson this past March, they publicly made it clear their goal was to lock up their new quarterback long-term. After a lengthy negotiation between both sides, the two have come to terms on a deal that keeps Wilson in Denver through 2028 (this contract extends his current contract with the Broncos) and includes $165 million guaranteed, which is the third highest contract in NFL history in terms of guaranteed money in NFL history.

 

What it Means for the Broncos

Ever since Peyton Manning retired after winning the Super Bowl with the Broncos back in 2016, Denver has been desperately searching for a long-term solution at quarterback. While Russell Wilson was under contract for this upcoming season and the next one, Denver didn’t make this trade with the intention of test-driving Wilson and seeing what happens from there.

 

Wilson has already stated he doesn’t plan to retire for at least another ten years or so despite the fact that he’s 33 years old and will be in his 40s once this contract is complete. The Broncos couldn’t be more thrilled to finally have a true star quarterback to round out their roster. Broncos now hope Wilson will join John Elway and Peyton Manning as quarterbacks who can deliver a Super Bowl.

 

What it Means for the NFL and other Quarterbacks

This contract had broader ramifications for the NFL and players as many saw this contract as a bellwether on quarterback contracts and players generally. Deshaun Watson’s recent contract was fully guaranteed for five years and $230 million which led some observers to believe that potentially more contracts would be fully guaranteed. Other quarterbacks who are negotiating to land lucrative contracts in the near future include Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, & Justin Herbert.

 

Additional Storylines

ESPN: Jimmy Garoppolo Says Staying With San Francisco 49ers ‘Really Wasn’t on my Mind’ Until Recently

CBS: Mike Tomlin Declines to Publicly Reveal Steelers’ Starting QB: ‘Who said it isn’t Settled’

Photo: Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images