The Denver Broncos, still in the playoff hunt, have decided to make a significant change at the quarterback position with two weeks left in the regular season. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, sources have revealed that Russell Wilson will be benched for the final two games. Jarrett Stidham is set to make his inaugural start for the Broncos this Sunday against the Chargers, while Wilson will serve as the backup for Week 17.
Rapoport highlights a key financial motive behind this decision. Wilson has a $37 million injury guarantee for 2025, which becomes fully guaranteed in March. By sidelining Wilson for the last two weeks, the Broncos aim to ensure he avoids a catastrophic injury, providing them with financial flexibility in case they decide to part ways with the 35-year-old quarterback in 2024. While not confirmed, this late-season benching strongly suggests that the Broncos may conclude their association with Wilson after two seasons, especially considering his $39 million fully guaranteed salary in 2024.
Head coach Sean Payton confirmed the altered QB depth chart during his press conference, emphasizing the team’s primary goal of sparking offensive improvement. Payton acknowledges the economic aspects of the decision but underscores the importance of rejuvenating the offense.
This move draws parallels to the Las Vegas Raiders’ strategy last season when they benched Derek Carr in favor of Stidham, who is now taking over in Denver after joining the team this offseason.
Despite Wilson’s improved performance under Payton compared to his challenging first season in Denver in 2022, recent offensive struggles and a Week 15 incident in Detroit raised concerns about the quarterback’s future. Denver rebounded from a 1-5 start to the season with a five-game winning streak but stumbled in three of their last four games, diminishing their playoff chances.
In his 15 starts this year, Wilson completed 66.4% of his passes for 3,070 yards, the fewest in 12 seasons, with 26 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. Once seen as the missing piece to end Denver’s playoff drought, Wilson’s potential departure marks a significant disappointment.
With two games remaining and a 7-8 record, the Broncos face an 8% chance of making the postseason, according to Next Gen Stats. The decision to bench Wilson to prioritize his health signals that Payton is gearing up for evaluations and roster adjustments in preparation for the 2024 season. Stidham will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in the final two weeks, and the Broncos will rely on him to lead them to victories over the Chargers and Raiders while hoping for some external assistance.
