The Denver Broncos could also be laying the groundwork to half methods with Russell Wilson after the season.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter studies that Broncos head coach Sean Payton knowledgeable the crew that Wilson will probably be benched for Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers. Jarrett Stidham will begin in Wilson’s place.
The Broncos are coming off a disappointing 26-23 loss to the New England Patriots that each one however eradicated them from postseason rivalry. Schefter stated Payton is seeking to “spark” Denver’s offense, however the choice to bench Wilson is financially motivated as nicely.
Wilson has huge damage ensures in his contract, so benching him will mitigate the chance of these being triggered. The 35-year-old quarterback is already assured $39 million in 2024. His $37 million wage for 2025 can even turn out to be absolutely assured if he stays on Denver’s roster on March 17. Wilson’s 2025 wage would additionally vest if Wilson suffered an damage that prevented him from passing a bodily in March.
We noticed the same scenario play out with Derek Carr in Las Vegas final season. The Raiders knew they had been going to maneuver on from Carr, in order that they benched him late within the 12 months to avoid the risk of having to pay an injury guarantee.
So long as Wilson doesn’t get damage over the ultimate two weeks of the season, the Broncos could be able to chop him in 2024. They’d nonetheless have to soak up a giant monetary hit subsequent season, however they’d have much more monetary flexibility in 2025.
Wilson is in his second season with the Broncos and has improved considerably from his brutal 2022 season. He has handed for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions, however he has nonetheless fallen wanting what Denver has hoped for.
Payton probably took the Denver job realizing he would attempt to make it work with Wilson for a season however transfer on if issues didn’t go nicely. The Broncos are paving the way in which for Payton to discover a new quarterback in 2024.
