Earlier this week, Broncos head coach Sean Payton made a notable announcement, stating that Russell Wilson would be benched in favor of Jarrett Stidham. While Payton expressed a desire for Stidham to provide an offensive “spark,” several NFL insiders speculated that Wilson’s demotion is primarily a strategic financial decision.
If Russell Wilson is unable to pass a physical by early March, an additional $37 million of his contract would become guaranteed. By sidelining him for the remaining two weeks of the season, the Broncos are strategically safeguarding their financial flexibility.
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As reported by The Athletic, the Broncos informed Wilson that he would lose his starting position unless he deferred his injury guarantee trigger date for 2025.
On ESPN’s “Get Up” this Friday, analyst Dan Orlovsky strongly criticized the Broncos for their handling of the quarterback situation, branding it as “unprofessional and classless.”
While Russell Wilson is technically under contract through the 2028 season, it is widely anticipated that the Broncos will release him once the current season concludes. Regardless of his NFL future, Wilson is slated to receive $39 million guaranteed.
The decision to bench Wilson appears to be influenced by the coaching change with Sean Payton taking over, signaling a shift in the team’s quarterback preferences.
