In a surprise move, the Denver Broncos have decided to bench quarterback Russell Wilson for their final two games in favor of Jarrett Stidham.
It is widely believed that the Broncos’ decision to bench Wilson is due to financial reasons. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that Wilson gets $39 million fully guaranteed in 2024, and an additional $37 million for 2025 if he suffers an injury.
Because of those astronomical numbers, it certainly feels like Denver truly is benching Wilson to avoid the risk of him suffering an injury so that they wouldn’t have to pay him for 2025. Obviously, they’re not fully convinced at this time that he’s their long-term signal-caller.
The Broncos acquired the nine-time Pro Bowler in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. Ahead of his Broncos debut, Wilson signed a five-year contract extension worth $245 million.
Wilson had a tough first season with the Broncos in 2022 under head coach Nathaniel Hackett, completing a career-low 60.5 pass attempts for 3,524 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 games.
Wilson has shown tremendous improvement under new head coach Sean Payton in 2023, however. After an ugly 1-5 start, Wilson got Denver back into playoff contention by leading the club to victories in six of their next seven games.
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But Denver’s 26-23 home loss to the lowly New England Patriots on Sunday essentially ended any remaining playoff hopes this group had. They now have to win out and need plenty of help to claim the AFC’s final wild card spot.
If this is it for Wilson in 2023, his season will end with a 66.4 completion percentage for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
