ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided a significant update on Russell Wilson’s future with the Denver Broncos.
In a stunning move, the Broncos announced on Wednesday that Wilson was being benched for their final two games of 2023. If Wilson were to get injured in either of those contests, he’d get $37 million guaranteed for 2025.
Speaking on ESPN’s “Get Up” program, Schefter emphasized that Wilson’s career in the Mile High City appears to be all but over.
“It is tracking for Russell’s time in Denver to be done. He’s got a no trade clause in his contract, so he’s not going to agree to any trade to essentially help out the Broncos…he would have to be released before the fifth day of the league year.”
The decision to bench Wilson is surprising to many for two reasons: 1) the nine-time Pro Bowler has enjoyed a stellar bounce-back year under head coach Sean Payton and 2) the 7-8 Broncos are still mathematically alive in the postseason race.
But as Schefter also noted on “Get Up”, Payton was not here in Denver when the team made the risky trade for Wilson. Payton obviously doesn’t view the future Hall of Famer as his long-term guy, and the Broncos are prepared to throw the towel in despite giving up a king’s ransom for him via trade with Seattle two offseasons ago.
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Wilson had a forgettable first season with the Broncos in 2022 under first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett. His play has significantly improved in Denver, however, with a 66.4 completion percentage for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns against only eight interceptions.
The Broncos host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday before finishing their season on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18.
