This spring, the Denver Broncos incurred the largest dead money salary cap hit in NFL history when they released veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton decided to absorb $53 million in cap space to part ways with Wilson. He then used the team’s first-round draft pick to select quarterback Bo Nix.
It seems the change has benefited everyone involved. Wilson found a new home with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are heading to the playoffs with a 10-5 record. Meanwhile, Denver has secured its first winning season since 2016, and Nix and the team are one win away from earning a playoff spot.
So, was it the right decision for the Broncos?
Considering the team’s future with 24-year-old Nix on a cost-effective rookie contract, it appears that Denver is in a better position than if they had kept the 36-year-old Wilson. But how do their performances compare?
Wilson started 15 games before being benched by Payton last season, and now Nix has started 15 games under the same coach. Let’s compare their statistics.
Russell Wilson (2023) vs. Bo Nix (2024)
While win-loss records are a team statistic, it’s still worth pointing out that Wilson finished last season with a 7-8 record as a starter, while Nix is currently 9-6 this season.
Of course, Wilson was a 12-year veteran at that time, so comparing his numbers to those of a rookie like Nix isn’t entirely fair.
Wilson played in a different offense with a different team during his rookie season with the Seattle Seahawks, so comparing his numbers to Nix’s isn’t an exact match. However, for the sake of comparison, here are Wilson’s rookie stats alongside Nix’s.
Wilson played 16 games as a rookie in 2012, but we’ve excluded his stats from the 16th game to focus on his first 15 games. Below are the numbers from those initial 15 games for both players.
Russell Wilson (2012) vs. Bo Nix (2024)
Seattle went 11-5 in Wilson’s rookie season. Denver is 9-6 this year.
