On Wednesday, it was announced that the Denver Broncos are making a change at the quarterback position for Sunday's game against the Chargers at home, and for the final game of the season against the Raiders on the road. Despite the Broncos still having a chance not only to make the Playoffs but to win the AFC West division.
Now it will be Jarrett Stidham, the new starting quarterback, and Russell Wilson as the backup.
Change in Denver: Broncos’ HC Sean Payton has informed his team that Jarrett Stidham will start Sunday vs. the Chargers, with Russell Wilson as the backup, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2023
With a 1-3 record in the last four games, Denver is looking to spark its offense and see what it has in… pic.twitter.com/P6X2DO0jT7
A reason for Denver benching Russell Wilson is money. Wilson already has guaranteed money for the 2024 season, to be specific $39 million, but here is the catch of the contract ... if he gets injured during the final two games of the season (a big injury), his contract will guarantee him $37 million in 2025, besides the $39M.
The $37 million in 2025 @RapSheet speaks of is currently guaranteed for injury only. It becomes fully guaranteed in March. Hence the fear of having him play and suffer a catastrophic injury, causing the #Broncos to be on the hook for that money when they’re not currently. https://t.co/9pNpGWr6Q7
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 27, 2023
With the above being said, it means that the Broncos will not risk potentially giving Wilson those extra $37 million if they end up moving on from him, or even if they stick with him.
Following the announcement of Stidham being named the new starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, something interesting was revealed by multiple media sources ...
"It was a football decision"
I'm told #Broncos head coach Sean Payton's benching of Russell Wilson for the final 2 games of the season is a "football decision, that should not come as a surprise." Coach Payton has been vocal about his concern for the offense in recent weeks. The team is 1-3 in the last 4… pic.twitter.com/WLyMewmoi4
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 27, 2023
Following the disastrous loss against the New England Patriots on Christmas Eve, head coach Sean Payton addressed the media, very dissappointed with his offense.
Sean Payton challenged the Broncos' offense many times today:
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) December 26, 2023
"We're average to below average in a lot of things offensively, and it's not good enough."
Added problems self-inflicted: "That’s communication. Is there too much in?"
The ball is "out all the time now."
It is very understandable and not a surprise that the decision of Denver to bench Russell Wilson was because of football reasons. You simply cannot lose a 'must-win' game at home on national television, against one of the worst teams in the NFL this season, as the New England Patriots, who had a 3-11 win-loss record before the game against the Broncos.
Denver is 1-3 in the past four games with 17, 24 (win), 17, and 23 points in those games.
Russell Wilson has had highs and lows so far during his career with the Broncos. Nothing easy after changing teams for the very first time in his NFL career. He has had a bounce-back season with Sean Payton following the Nathaniel Hackett disaster last season. Likely, his time in Denver is over, but with the decision being a "football decision", I would not rule out a contract restructure and keeping him in Denver one more year with a rookie quarterback for the 2024-2025 season. Who knows?