Seahawks, Broncos Flourish as Playoff Contenders After Russell Wilson Trade
After the significant trade of Russell Wilson, both the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos have emerged as formidable playoff contenders. As of the 2025-2026 NFL playoffs, both teams hold the top seeds in their respective conferences. This turnaround follows Wilson’s departure, showcasing the impact of strategic decisions made by both franchises.
Seattle Seahawks: Benefiting from Wilson’s Trade
In March 2022, the Seahawks traded quarterback Russell Wilson to the Broncos. This deal was crucial for Seattle’s future, enabling them to avoid a hefty $37 million salary-cap hit. By trading Wilson, they not only saved $11 million against the cap but also managed the dead money effectively.
Wilson’s four-year contract worth $140 million expired in 2023, which allowed the Seahawks to sidestep another costly extension. As a result, they could start Geno Smith, Wilson’s former backup, at a significantly lower cost of $3 million for the season.
Draft Success and New Additions
The trade yielded valuable draft picks that facilitated Seattle’s rebuilding efforts. Key players acquired include:
- Charles Cross (left tackle)
- Devon Witherspoon (cornerback)
- Boye Mafe (edge rusher)
- Derick Hall (edge rusher)
These additions have strengthened their defense significantly under coach Mike Macdonald. Furthermore, the Seahawks have complemented their roster with veteran stars like Leonard Williams and DeMarcus Lawrence.
Seattle’s general manager, John Schneider, has excelled in drafting, acquiring nine core offensive players, including Jaxon Smith-Njigba and running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. This successful player acquisition has put the Seahawks on a path to playoff success.
Denver Broncos: Recovering from Wilson’s Release
The Broncos faced obstacles when they released Russell Wilson. Despite incurring a substantial dead money cap hit of $85 million stretched over two years, they managed to retain a solid core of young talent. Notably, drafting standout cornerback Pat Surtain II proved beneficial before Wilson’s trade.
After Wilson’s departure, general manager George Paton focused on filling gaps. They drafted Nik Bonitto as their top pick despite lacking first-round picks in subsequent drafts. The team has also restructured its roster by signing reclamation veterans to bolster the defense.
Current Team Dynamics
In stark contrast to Wilson’s costly contract, new quarterback Bo Nix is in year two of an affordable $18.6 million deal, allowing for greater salary cap flexibility. This shift in financial strategy has enabled the Broncos to effectively invest in their roster and coaching staff, led by Sean Payton and Vance Joseph.
Recent drafts have seen the rise of impactful players like guard Quinn Meinerz and cornerback Riley Moss. Together with a focused coaching strategy, the Broncos are maximizing their potential after the challenges posed by Wilson’s tenure.
Conclusion
Both the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos have turned their fortunes around following their decisions regarding Russell Wilson. Each team has effectively capitalized on the changes, positioning themselves as playoff contenders with promising futures.
