Russell Wilson was one of the better NFL quarterbacks for a decade during his Seattle Seahawks career. Wilson, in part, changed the way the NFL looks at the QB position. Despite measuring 5’10”, Wilson was drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft. The NFL had been accustomed to taller QBs, so Wilson’s success at his stature opened the eyes of the evaluators.
Now a member of the Denver Broncos, how much were those evaluators willing to pay him?
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Russell Wilson Earned His Massive Contract
Wilson was a dual-sport athlete growing up and during his college career. He was known as a good baseball player and was drafted to the MLB.
However, Wilson passed up a potential career in the majors to pursue his dream of playing QB at the NFL level. He found success during his collegiate career at NC State and Wisconsin.
Wilson capped off his college career by leading the Badgers to the Big Ten title and the 2012 Rose Bowl. The Seahawks liked what they saw from him — enough to buck the NFL trend of drafting hulking quarterbacks — and chose him No. 75 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Wilson was immediately successful in the NFL. He was the surprise starting QB for the Seahawks during his rookie season, in which he tied Peyton Manning’s record for most TD passes by a rookie. Wilson’s first season in the NFL brought several honors, including the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year.
MORE: QB Power Rankings 2023
Rookie honors were just the beginning for Wilson as he began a stretch of nine Pro Bowl honors with remarkable consistency. His playmaking ability, combined with Marshawn Lynch’s physical running style and one of the best defenses in recent memory, known as “The Legion of Boom,” the Seahawks became a dominant NFL franchise.
Seattle capped off their remarkable run with two trips to the Super Bowl, including the franchise’s only title.
What Is Russell Wilson Doing in 2023?
Some are speculating on a tear down of the Denver Broncos.
If Russell Wilson would happen to be moved, where do you think is the best landing spot? pic.twitter.com/mccIPz8cRy
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) October 11, 2023
Wilson was eventually traded to the Broncos, and things haven’t gone as well. His play has fallen since his Seattle departure, and some are even calling for his job.
But given his contract, that may not be probable.
How Much Is Wilson’s Salary?
Wilson signed a five-year, $242.6 million deal with the Broncos, with $124 million guaranteed at signing.
In 2023, Wilson will be earning $28 million and inflicting a cap hit of $22 million (per Over the Cap). While the cap hit is the sixth most at the position this season, the total average annual value (AAV) of the deal ranks fifth.
Wilson’s Current Net Worth
According to CelebrityNetWorth.com, Wilson’s current net worth is roughly $165 million. The Broncos’ QB has earned most of his fortune from his NFL contracts and various endorsement deals.
This current contract is viewed as a hindrance to Denver’s rebuild, but Wilson has improved upon his 2022 season. The coming months could be telling in just how long Wilson remains under center for the Broncos.
