As per several reports, the Super Bowl champion XLVIII, quarterback Russell Wilson, was benched by the Denver Broncos for the last two remaining games of the season.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton had also revealed regarding the decision, stating, “I can tell you we’re desperately trying to win. Sure, in our game today there are economics and all those other things, but the No. 1 push behind this — and it’s a decision I’m making — is to get a spark offensively.”
In Wilson’s place, Jarrett Stidham will be the Broncos’ starting quarterback for the season’s last two games. Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year of 2020, Wilson also took to Platform X, formerly Twitter, and shared an optimistic message, which said, “God’s got me. Looking forward to what’s next.”
God’s got me.
Looking forward to what’s next.— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) December 28, 2023
According to Pro Football Talk, several teams will be on the lookout for the 2024 season. The teams with potential reasons for acquiring him include the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Commanders, and Atlanta Falcons.
Sources to @BleacherReport: The #Broncos threatened to bench Russell Wilson weeks ago if he didn’t remove his injury guarantees.
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… pic.twitter.com/pmq172Cm1H
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 27, 2023
This, pretty clearly, is it for Russell Wilson in Denver. Broncos are on the hook for $39 million in guarantees in 2024. However, hanging on to him into 2024 would mean $37 million vesting for 2025.
So it's $39 million buyout this offseason or $37 million buyout next offseason. https://t.co/EL9DS4dj9t
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 27, 2023
Russell Wilson is expecting to be cut by the Denver Broncos in March, per league sources. For almost two months, the quarterback has been starting knowing the organization was most likely going to move on him from after this season.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) December 28, 2023
Wilson has $37 million in injury guarantees for 2025 that will become guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2024 league year in March. Lawyers, including some with the NFLPA, were involved, and no changes were made to the contract.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) December 28, 2023
Wilson’s time with the Broncos is in its concluding stages and the quarterback has said that he is looking towards his next step. He believes that he still has enough to give and is focusing on moving ahead.
