By: Justin Gincauskas
The Denver Broncos have decided to bench quarterback Russell Wilson for the final two games of the season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The move was made to preserve the team’s financial flexibility for the offseason.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Broncos head coach Sean Payton delivered the news to Wilson Wednesday morning. Payton then let the rest of the team know. By sitting Wilson, Denver’s starting quarterback will be Jarrett Stidham. He will start when the Broncos take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
Wilson has $39 million guaranteed for the 2024 season. He would have received an additional $37 million in guaranteed money if he could not pass a physical by early March. By sitting him for the rest of the season, the Broncos are assuring the team will not be on the hook for the $37 million. Wilson signed a five-year, $242.5 million contract extension with Denver on Sept. 1, 2022.
After winning five straight games earlier in the season to get back into playoff contention, Denver has since lost three of its last four games. They are the 12th seed in the AFC and have a seven percent chance of making the playoffs.
Wilson has thrown for over 3,000 yards this season. His 26 touchdown passes are tied for the sixth most in the NFL. The Broncos bench Russell Wilson after throwing for 238 yards and two touchdowns in a 26-23 loss to the New England Patriots Sunday.
Stidham will be starting his third career NFL game on Sunday. He is 0-2 in his first two starts, which came with the Las Vegas Raiders in the final two games of the season last year. He has thrown for 926 yards, six touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his career.
***
Have a passion for sports? Check out our open positions.
Join the Fantom Sports Discord!
Follow Fantom Sports on Twitter for all the latest sports news!