ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos on Monday told Russell Wilson they’re going to release him next week, just 18 months after signing the quarterback to a five-year, $242 million contract extension.

Wilson went 11-19 in Denver. He had an awful first season under Nathaniel Hackett, but bounced back last season under Sean Payton. However, Payton benched Wilson for the final two games of the season.

Wilson is 35 years old and is entering his 13th NFL season in 2024.

KELCE RETIRES AFTER 13 SEASONS

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jason Kelce has retired after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Kelce officially called it quits Monday at the Eagles’ NovaCare Complex.

The 36-year-old ended a career in which he became not only one of the great centers of his era who played a key role in the franchise’s lone Super Bowl championship but a beloved Philly personality and popular podcast host.

Kelce was a sixth-round pick in the 2011 draft. He ended his career by making 156 straight starts, and he earned six All-Pro Team selections. He said it was always a goal to play his whole career in one city. He played 193 regular-season games for the Eagles.

WHEELER, PHILLIES REACH DEAL

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Zack Wheeler and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed on a $126 million, three-year contract for 2025-27, the fourth-highest average salary in baseball history at $42 million.

Wheeler gets $23.5 million this year in the final season of a $118 million, five-year contract.

Wheeler’s average trails only Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani ($70 million), Texas pitcher Max Scherzer ($43.33 million) and Houston pitcher Justin Verlander ($43.33 million).

CELTICS STREAKING TOWARD PLAYOFFS

BOSTON (AP) — Steve Kerr spoiled the Boston Celtics’ last, best chance at another NBA title. And he thinks it would be harder this time around.

Kerr says this is the best version of the Celtics he’s seen. Boston beat its 2022 NBA Finals opponent by 52 points on Sunday.

It was their 11th straight win and their record third by more than 50 points this season.