The Broncos are benching Russell Wilson, head coach Sean Payton confirmed Wednesday, sparking speculation about the star quarterback’s future in Denver.
Jarrett Stidham is now set to start Sunday against the Chargers.
“We’re desperately trying to win,” Payton told reporters. “Sure, in our game today, there are economics and all those other things, but the number one push behind this, and it’s a decision I’m making, is to get a spark offensively.”
Indeed, sitting the 35-year-old Wilson comes with financial implications, considering a $37 million injury guarantee would go into effect if the quarterback failed a physical in March, according to ESPN. That money would be on top of the $39 million Wilson is already guaranteed next season.
Still, the benching comes as a surprise given Wilson’s star power and the fact the Broncos (7-8) remain alive for the playoffs. Their odds are slim, however, with NFL Next Gen Stats giving them an 8% chance to qualify for the postseason.
On Sunday, the Broncos suffered an upset loss to the three-win New England Patriots, during which Payton was seen shouting at Wilson on the sideline.
“Nothing more to share,” Payton said Monday of the tense moment. “It certainly, you know, in-game intensity, heat of the moment, all of those things. But nothing more to add.”
Wilson is in the second season of a five-year, $245 million contract extension with the Broncos, who acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks in 2021 for a haul including four premium draft picks.
If the Broncos make Wilson a post-June 1 release this offseason, they would owe him a total of $85 million in dead money over the next two years, according to ESPN.
Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection who won a Super Bowl with Seattle, has failed to replicate his success with the Broncos. Denver went 5-12 in 2022, and its offense finished last in the NFL in scoring at 16.9 points per game.
Payton, an offensive guru who won a Super Bowl as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, joined the Broncos over the offseason and has elevated the Denver offense to a middle-of-the-pack 21.8 points per game.
The Broncos began the 2023 season 1-5 before winning five games in a row. They’ve since lost three of their last four games, a stretch that included an embarrassing 42-17 blowout defeat by the Detroit Lions.
Wilson has thrown for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns against eight interceptions this season. His 341 rushing yards rank third on the Broncos, while his three rushing touchdowns lead the team.
Stidham, who is in the first season of a two-year deal with Denver, previously played for the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders and is 0-2 in his career as a starter.
