Broncos Release QB Russell Wilson, Bucs Re-Sign WR Mike Evans to $52 Million Deal & Eagles’ Jason Kelce Officially Retires
The NFL Combine has come to a close in Indy, and the focus of NFL executives has quickly switched gears back to free agency and roster shuffling. The roster news is about to be a rollercoaster, so strap in and "let's ride." A trio of major storylines hit the NFL airwaves Monday, including Mike Evans staying in Tampa Bay, Jason Kelce making his retirement official, and the Broncos’ release of QB Russell Wilson resulting in (what might go down as) the worst trade in NFL history. At least we got an incredible meme out of it ("Broncos Country, Let's Ride").
Free agency officially begins next Wednesday (March 13) at 4:00 pm ET, but today marks the deadline for teams to franchise tag players (4:00 pm ET). Let’s recap the three biggest stories of the moment:
Broncos Release QB Russell Wilson
As expected, the Denver Broncos informed QB Russell Wilson that he will be released when the new league year begins next Wednesday. The team's decision seemed evident after the Broncos benched Wilson in the final two games of the year. Denver will suffer an $85 million hit in dead cap money — the largest dead cap hit in NFL history by more than double. Remember: The Broncos gave up two 1st- and 2nd-round picks, QB Drew Lock, TE Noah Fant, and another player and pick in order to get Wilson from the Seahawks in 2022. They then turned around and gave him a five-year, $246 million contract. Wilson, 35, will likely be the most coveted veteran free-agent QB this offseason. He had a brutal 2022 season in Year 1 with the Broncos, but his 2023 numbers weren’t bad (3,070 yards, 26 TDs, 8 INTs).
*Largest Dead Cap Hits in NFL History
Russell Wilson (DEN): $85 Million
Matt Ryan (ATL): $40.5 Million
Aaron Rodgers (GB): $40.3 Million
Tom Brady (TB): $35.1 Million
Buccaneers Re-Sign WR Mike Evans
Just one week after the NFL salary cap exploded to $255 million, Tampa Bay made the wise move to keep their star receiver on the payroll. Mike Evans and the Bucs agreed to a 2-year, $52 million extension on Monday. That makes him the fourth-highest paid receiver in the NFL behind only Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams and Cooper Kupp. The deal is, however, the largest for a receiver his age (30) on his third contract. Evans reached the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the 10th straight season. His 94 career touchdowns are also noteworthy. Only five other receivers had reached the end zone more times than Evans in their first 10 years, and all five are Hall of Famers (or soon-to-be) — Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Marvin Harrison and Davante Adams.
Eagles Center Jason Kelce Retires
Double the pain in Philadelphia on Monday. It was previously reported that Eagles center Jason Kelce had retired from football following the team’s playoff loss in January, but the future Hall of Famer disputed that story and said he still needed to think about it. Kelce’s retirement became official on Monday when he called a news conference in Philly. He was a seven-time pro bowler in 13 seasons with the Eagles, on top of a Super Bowl in 2017. The 36-year-old wore a cutoff shirt to the presser in true Kelce fashion. Players and teammates from all over the NFL took to social media to thank him for being a tremendous leader and teammate. So long, Kelc’.
Other NFL Situations to Watch
Kirk Cousins & The Vikings
Justin Fields & The Bears
RB Market: Saquon, Henry & Jacobs
Franchise Tag Deadline: Today (4:00 pm ET)
Free Agency Start: Wednesday, Mar. 13 (4:00 pm ET)
