Russell Wilson’s Bench: A Strategic Move by Broncos with Offseason Implications
The Denver Broncos have made a strategic decision by benching star quarterback Russell Wilson in favor of Jarrett Stidham. This move, confirmed by sources to Yahoo Sports, seems to be driven by financial and contractual considerations. Wilson’s $37 million salary for 2025, which becomes fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2024 league year, plays a crucial role in this decision. If Wilson were to suffer a major long-term injury in the remaining games, this amount would be guaranteed.
The benching, initially reported to spark the offense and assess backup quarterback Stidham’s capabilities, also aligns with the Broncos’ need to keep their options open for the offseason. Moving on from Wilson is not straightforward, given the massive $85 million dead salary-cap hit that the Broncos would incur if they cut him. However, this can be spread over two years if Wilson is designated a post-June 1 release.
This development raises significant questions about Wilson’s future with the Broncos, especially considering his performance this season and the team’s playoff chances. Despite Wilson’s decent stats, the Broncos seem unconvinced about his complete recovery and ability to lead the team forward.
This situation reflects the broader implications of the high-profile trade that brought Wilson to the Broncos from the Seattle Seahawks, a deal that is proving to be costly for Denver.
