Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Has QB Russell Wilson solidified his future with Broncos?

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 12/13/23

Quarterback Russell Wilson's play has dramatically improved this season. Is it enough to secure his future with the Denver Broncos?

The Athletic's Nick Kosmider believes Wilson has proved he's still a franchise QB and that Denver won't move on from him this offseason.

"The final four games will determine a lot," Kosmider wrote. "But at this moment, I think Wilson is the likely Week 1 starter in 2024."

Through 13 games, Wilson has posted decent numbers. He's tied for fifth in the league in passing TDs (23), ranks sixth in passer rating (98.3) and 18th in passing yards (2,609).

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He's also helped the Broncos (7-6) win six of their last seven games, but Wilson's contract is still an issue. The 35-year-old is in the second year of a five-year, $242.5M deal, which includes an out in 2026 ($31.2M in dead cap). In 2024, his cap hit increases to $35.4M.

However, the Broncos aren't in a position to draft a replacement. Tankathon projects they will have the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and select Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins. Meanwhile, backup QB Jarrett Stidham only has two starts in five seasons.

Despite his age and contract, keeping Wilson makes sense. He leads the league in fourth-quarter comebacks (four), per Pro Football Reference, this season and has put the Broncos in a position to make their first postseason appearance since 2015 if they keep winning.

"We've written extensively about the way his contract works, the decisions ahead, the imperfections in his game and all of that," the Denver Post's Parker Gabriel wrote. "But the caveat has always been and will continue to be that if you win, that stuff matters less."

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