The Denver Broncos are set to face significant financial repercussions following their decision to part ways with quarterback Russell Wilson after his two-season tenure with the team and just before his lucrative contract extension comes into effect.

The Broncos will shoulder an unprecedented $85 million in dead cap money, the most substantial dead cap hit in NFL history. This figure surpasses the sum of the following two on the list combined, per Front Office Sports.

Dead money refers to the portion of a team's salary cap allocated to a player who has been released from the roster.

Following Wilson, the next most substantial dead cap hits in NFL history are attributed to Matt Ryan with the Atlanta Falcons, amounting to $40.53 million in 2022, and Aaron Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers, carrying a value of $40.31 million in 2023.

During the 35-year-old's tenure with the Broncos, he achieved a passer rating of 90.9, accumulating 6,594 yards, 42 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions across 30 games, where they went 11-19.

Russell Wilson had a $245 million deal ahead of him

In March 2022, following their acquisition of Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks, the Denver Broncos signed the quarterback to a five-year extension valued at $245 million.

This extension, set to take effect from 2024 to 2028, was agreed upon despite the nine-time Pro Bowl selection having two years remaining on his existing contract at the time of signing.