Broncos to bench Russell Wilson for Week 17 game, sources say،
The Denver Broncos, facing a looming decision regarding Russell Wilson's future within the organization, benched the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Broncos coach Sean Payton informed the team Wednesday morning that Jarrett Stidham would start at quarterback Sunday with Wilson serving as the backup, according to sources.
The quarterback change increases the Broncos' financial flexibility next offseason, as Wilson will earn an additional $37 million in guaranteed money if he can't pass a physical by early March. An injury to Wilson in one of Denver's final two games of the season would potentially trigger this guarantee.
Next season marks the first year of a five-year, $242.6 million extension signed in 2022 by Wilson, who will already earn $39 million guaranteed in 2024.
Payton won't speak publicly until Wednesday's practice, but the move to Stidham could also provide a boost to a Denver offense that has been sluggish for much of the season. The Broncos (7-8) still have an outside chance in the playoffs, but have lost three of their last four games.
The Broncos are 16th in the league in scoring (21.8 points per game), 20th in third down (36.65%), 31st in goal-to-play situations (53.57%) and 25th in passing ( 187.5 yards per game).
Wilson, 35, is tied for sixth in the league in touchdowns with 26, but he is 18th in passing yards and had one 300-yard game this season — in Denver's 70-20 loss against the Dolphins.
What the Broncos do with Wilson moving forward will be the biggest decision they face this offseason. The Broncos have just six draft picks in April, with no second-rounders, and would face an unprecedented dead money fee of $85 million combined over the 2024 and 2025 seasons if they cut Wilson.
Wilson, when asked about his future after Sunday night's loss to the Patriots, said he was “just worried about next week and playing good football.
“I came here to win and win a championship for us and to find a way to do that,” Wilson said. “I obviously love being here with these guys, these teammates. I'm excited to continue to play ball and play hard for us.”
