The NFLPA has issued a threat of legal action against the Denver Broncos in response to their controversial decision to sideline quarterback Russell Wilson for the final two games of the 2023 season.
On Wednesday, the Broncos made the announcement that the nine-time Pro Bowler would be replaced by backup Jarrett Stidham for the remaining two matchups. Wilson later confirmed to reporters on Friday that financial considerations were the driving force behind his benching, as the Broncos would be obligated to pay him $37 million in guaranteed money for 2025 in the event of an injury.
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During discussions with reporters, Wilson revealed that the Broncos had forewarned him about the possibility of being benched if he did not agree to modify the injury guarantees in his contract, a conversation that reportedly took place during their Week 9 bye.
According to Mark Maske of The Washington Post, the NFL Players Association had cautioned the Broncos in a letter sent in early November, asserting that the team’s threat to bench Wilson was deemed illegal and in violation of the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the NFLPA. This warning raised the prospect of the union initiating arbitration proceedings or legal action against both the team and the league.
“The NFL Players Association told the Denver Broncos in an early-November letter that the team’s threat to bench quarterback Russell Wilson if he did not agree to adjust his contract was illegal and violated the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the NFLPA, creating the possibility that the union would initiate an arbitration proceeding or litigation against the team and the league.”
Despite the controversy, Wilson has enjoyed a commendable resurgence under head coach Sean Payton, boasting a 66.4 percent completion rate for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns with only eight interceptions in the ongoing season.