Russell Wilson remains Denver’s costliest 2025 “player” at $32 million dead cap despite March 2024 release creating NFL history’s largest penalty ($85M total split across two years).
The Giants backup quarterback consumes 11.5% of Broncos’ $279.2 million ceiling without contributing a single snap one year after $53 million 2024 charge representing historic trade disaster.
Bo Nix anchors rebuilding efforts through four-year $18.6 million fully guaranteed rookie contract ($4.23M cap hit) providing cost-controlled quarterback stability through 2027.
Denver maintains $15.4 million available space after setting 53-man roster with Mike McGlinchey ($23.78M), Courtland Sutton ($20.2M), and Zach Allen ($19.8M) leading active player charges enabling competitive rebuild around #12 overall pick.
Access individual player biography and net worth information for Denver’s complete roster.
Wilson’s $85M Legacy: NFL’s Costliest Mistake
Two-year dead cap spread represents largest penalty in league history stemming from 2022 trade debacle (five draft picks plus three players for two losing seasons). Final $32 million 2025 charge exceeds actual highest-paid Bronco by $8.2 million demonstrating catastrophic asset management.
| Dead Cap 2024-25 | Amount | Total Wilson Cost | Return on Investment |
| 2024 charge | $53M | Five draft picks traded | 11-23 record (2022-23) |
| 2025 charge | $32M | Jerry Jeudy, Noah Fant, Shelby Harris | Coach firing (Hackett) |
| Combined total | $85M | Two first-rounders, two seconds, fifth | Zero playoff wins |
Wilson’s five-year $245 million extension (September 2022) featured $124M guaranteed creating impossible exit after 2-2 start through Week 4 2022. His 17-29 record as Broncos starter ranks worst among QBs receiving $200M+ contracts trailing Sam Darnold (32-47), Daniel Jones (22-46).
March 2024 release eliminated $17M future obligations ($39M 2024 salary, $37M 2025, $35M 2026 avoided) yet triggered historic accounting nightmare. His current Giants backup role ($1.2M veteran minimum) provides $83.8M cap savings versus Denver’s remaining burden.
Bo Nix Era: $18.6M Rookie Foundation
Nix’s four-year deal features $10.36 million signing bonus spreading $2.59M annually through 2027 creating manageable quarterback spending during roster construction window. His $1.65 million 2025 cash earnings ($960K base + $681K roster + $8.5K workout) rank 32nd among starters demonstrating cost advantage.
| Player | Position | 2025 Cap Hit | Contract Value | Dead Cap If Cut | Extension Window |
| Mike McGlinchey | RT | $23.78M | $68M (5yr) | $7.8M | 2027 final year |
| Courtland Sutton | WR | $20.2M | $60.8M extension | $14.4M | 2029 (void 2030) |
| Zach Allen | DL | $19.8M | $47.5M (3yr) | $6.2M | 2026 final year |
| Ben Powers | OG | $17.43M | $52M (4yr) | $4.1M | 2027 |
| John Franklin-Myers | DL | $10M | $55M (4yr) | $2.5M | 2027 |
| Brandon Jones | S | $9.05M | $36M (3yr) | $3M | 2026 |
| Pat Surtain II | CB | $8.37M | $96M (4yr) | $66.5M GTD | 2027 |
| Jonathon Cooper | EDGE | $8.15M | $60M (4yr) | $23M GTD | 2027 |
| Bo Nix | QB | $4.23M | $18.6M rookie | $18.6M GTD | 2028 (5th-year) |
| Quinn Meinerz | OG | $5.53M | 5th-year option | $5.53M | 2026 extension talks |
McGlinchey’s $23.78M represents final big-money lineman contract after Garett Bolles restructure ($5.82M 2025). His five-year $68M deal ($17.5M 2024, $23.78M 2025, $20M+ 2026-2027) requires extension or replacement before ballooning charges consume Nix’s cost-controlled window.
Sutton’s four-year $60.8M extension (August 2025) pays $40M guaranteed locking #1 receiver through age 33. His $20.2M cap hit jumps to $23.24M 2026, $28.48M 2027 creating back-loaded structure betting on continued elite production supporting Nix development.
Surtain’s Bargain: $96M Highest-Paid DB
Pat Surtain II’s four-year $96 million extension ($24M AAV, $77.5M guaranteed) made him NFL’s richest defensive back yet already considered team-friendly after 2024 Defensive Player of Year validates investment. His $8.37M 2025 cap hit represents final rookie deal year before extension kicks in 2026.
Surtain Contract Progression: $8.37M (2025 5th-year option), $19.46M (2026), $25.46M (2027), $31.46M (2028), creating stair-step increases rewarding elite play while maintaining cap flexibility early.
Jaycee Horn Comparison: Carolina’s $100M four-year extension ($25M AAV) surpassed Surtain by $1M annually making Denver’s deal appear discounted. Horn’s $70M guaranteed versus Surtain’s $77.5M demonstrates market correction timing favoring Broncos.
Denver projects $48.6 million 2026 cap space (with 38 players under contract) enabling aggressive roster building around Nix-Surtain-Sutton core. Wilson’s dead cap finally eliminated 2026 creating clean books for first time since 2021.
Net Worth Snapshot: Post-Wilson Rebuild
Limited veteran wealth accumulation reflects recent roster overhaul prioritizing youth over expensive free agents. Sutton leads active players through $73.7M career earnings while Surtain’s $96M extension projects $60M+ net worth through age 28.
| Player | Est. Net Worth | Career Earnings | Peak Years | Off-Field |
| Courtland Sutton | $25M-$35M | $73.7M+ | 28 (through 2029) | Regional brands |
| Pat Surtain II | $15M-$25M | $35M+ | 24 (DPOY 2024) | Nike, endorsements |
| Zach Allen | $12M-$18M | $32M+ | 28 | – |
| Mike McGlinchey | $18M-$25M | $58M+ | 30 | – |
| Ben Powers | $8M-$15M | $28M+ | 28 | – |
Sutton’s $73.7 million career total includes $32.9M rookie deal earnings plus $40.8M extension guarantees creating $25-35M estimated wealth. His four-year $60.8M add-on projects $134.5M career earnings through age 33 if completing full contract.
Surtain’s rapid wealth growth stems from $26.8M guaranteed rookie contract (#9 overall 2021) plus $10.98M fifth-year option and $77.5M extension guarantees. His 2024 DPOY award elevates endorsement potential beyond typical defensive back $500K-$1M annually.
FAQs
Who is Denver’s highest-paid player in 2025?
Russell Wilson carries $32M dead cap (11.5% of ceiling) despite March 2024 release representing NFL history’s largest penalty. Among active players, Mike McGlinchey ($23.78M) leads followed by Courtland Sutton ($20.2M). Wilson’s $85M total dead cap (2024-25) exceeds Deshaun Watson’s previous record.
What is Bo Nix’s rookie contract worth?
Nix signed four-year $18.6M fully guaranteed deal as #12 overall pick featuring $10.36M signing bonus creating $4.23M annual cap hit. His 2025 cash earnings total $1.65M ($960K base + $681K roster + $8.5K workout) with fifth-year option decision coming 2027 offseason.
How much dead cap do Broncos have?
Denver shoulders $33.5M total dead money with Russell Wilson ($32M) representing 95.5% of penalty. Remaining $1.5M spread across minor charges creating clean cap sheet compared to league-leading Patriots ($66.1M) and Browns ($60.87M) demonstrating successful rebuild management.
What is Pat Surtain II’s contract worth?
Surtain signed four-year $96M extension ($24M AAV, $77.5M guaranteed) making him NFL’s highest-paid defensive back. His deal surpassed previous record (Jaire Alexander $21M AAV) by $3M annually before Jaycee Horn’s $25M topped him six months later.
How much cap space do Broncos have for 2026?
Denver projects $48.6M available with 38 players under contract representing fifth-most NFL-wide. Wilson’s dead cap finally eliminated creates clean books for first time since 2021 enabling aggressive free agency around Bo Nix’s cost-controlled rookie timeline through 2027.
