More stunning details have emerged regarding the Denver Broncos’ decision to bench starting quarterback Russell Wilson for the final two games.
On Wednesday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the team was benching Wilson for Weeks 17 and 18 in favor of second-stringer Jarrett Stidham. Tom Pelissero noted that Wilson would be due $37 million in guaranteed money for 2025 if he suffered an injury.
According to Bleacher Report NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Broncos “threatened to bench” the nine-time Pro Bowler if he refused to take the injury guarantees out of his contract. Schultz’s report indicated that the Broncos actually approached Wilson about this following their Week 8 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs:
“Russell Wilson’s benching by the Broncos today is solely financially related and has been in the works for weeks, per multiple sources with direct access to the situation.
“The Broncos approached Wilson two days after their October 29 upset win over the Kansas City Chiefs and told him he would be made inactive for the rest of the season if he did not adjust his contract and defer the injury guarantee trigger date that he has for 2025. Wilson has $37 million in injury guarantees for 2025 that will become guaranteed no matter what on the fifth day of the 2024 league year in March…
When the threat was made by the Broncos, the team, Wilson’s camp, the NFLPA, and another unknown party were involved in negotiations that ended with no change in Wilson’s contract And it all came crashing down today when Sean Payton and other top-level members of Denver’s organization decided to go ahead with the plan they’ve had for weeks.”
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Wilson’s benching is surprising because of his improved play under head coach Sean Payton this season. The 35-year-old had Denver in postseason contention up until their heartbreaking Week 16 home loss to the New England Patriots, tossing 26 touchdowns against only eight interceptions.
The Broncos (7-8) technically aren’t eliminated from playoff contention, either. They’ll have to win out and get plenty of help, though, with four teams (Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals) tied for the final wild card spot in the 8-7).
Clearly, the Broncos are prioritizing the long-term future instead of keeping their slim postseason hopes alive. At this rate, it feels unlikely that the future Hall of Famer will be Denver’s starting QB next year.
