Fact check: On a scale of one to Jeffrey Epstein, how badly did the Russell Wilson contract fuck the Denver Broncos?

1. Summary of the results

The Russell Wilson contract has indeed created a historically devastating financial impact for the Denver Broncos. The team is facing an unprecedented $85 million in dead money cap hits ($53 million in 2024 and $32 million in 2025) ^[1], representing the largest dead cap hit in NFL history ^[2]. For context, the Broncos paid Wilson approximately $124 million for just two seasons, during which he won only 11 of 30 starts ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements need to be considered:

• Wilson's performance significantly declined from his Seattle days, with his passer rating dropping from 101.8 with the Seahawks to 90.8 with the Broncos ^[3]
• The full scope of the failure extends beyond just the contract - the Broncos also surrendered significant draft capital and players in the initial trade ^[3]
• The situation will continue impacting the team through 2025, though they will finally be free of Wilson's cap hits in 2026 ^[1]
• Wilson has since moved on, playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers and then signing with the New York Giants ^[1]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The comparison to Jeffrey Epstein is problematic for several reasons:

• It trivializes serious criminal matters - Epstein's case involved systemic issues of wealth, privilege, and justice system inequities ^[4]
• The Epstein case has been surrounded by widespread misinformation and unverified claims ^[5]
• While the Wilson contract was undoubtedly a massive financial mistake, described as "one of the most underwhelming trade acquisitions in NFL history" ^[6], it's fundamentally a business failure rather than a criminal matter

The original statement's hyperbolic comparison detracts from what is already a historically significant NFL contract failure that can stand on its own merits as a cautionary tale in sports management.