Russell Wilson has finally spoken over the news of him being benched by Denver Broncos against the Los Angeles Chargers. Wilson tweeted “God’s got me. Looking forward to what’s next.” Broncos head coach Sean Payton selected Jarrett Stidham as the starter for the final two games to avoid any injuries to Wilson.
God’s got me.
Looking forward to what’s next.— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) December 28, 2023
In 2022, Broncos gave up a first-rounder pick, a second-rounder pick, and three more players to trade Russell Wilson from Seattle Seahawks. Broncos signed 35-year-old Wilson for a whopping $242 million with an injury clause of $37 million. The finances are huge and the financial structure of the Broncos is in a bit of a fix right now. To avoid an injury to Wilson, Payton benched him, thus avoiding the payment of $37 million.
Just like I thought… Russell Wilson getting benched by the Broncos and Sean Payton had nothing to do with his play.
They wanted him to defer his guarantees and he said no.
pic.twitter.com/oTcQP0uCHV— George Wrighster III (@georgewrighster) December 28, 2023
Russell Wilson and Broncos: A failed partnership
Russell Wilson established himself as a legendary quarterback at Seahawks and cemented his position in the history books of the NFL. His switch to Broncos was a very high-profile one, and the finances associated with it made sense. However, Wilson has been a shadow of what he was at Seahawks, since 2022.
His first season with the Broncos was underwhelming for the expectations that came with him and the huge contract. This season, he improved a little but then again, he couldn’t match up to his earlier standards. The underperformance of the team and Russell Wilson puts his future in doubt.
Coach Payton seemed positive of Wilson’s conduct as he said “I spent time with Russ this morning, and he’s been a pro,” However, he refused to delve into more details of the upcoming future as he followed up with “Obviously disappointed. All the work that goes into doing what he does, or doing what they do at that position, is difficult and challenging. The future is something we haven’t discussed yet.”
The rumors are running wild with the decision of the Broncos and their head coach. Speculations of Russell Wilson leaving the Broncos in 2024 are very strong. The Russell Wilson era at Broncos does seem at an end, but the financial compensations are much more worrisome for Broncos.
Russell Wilson’s future has an air of mystery around it. In the highly probable case of him leaving, he would be a starter acting as the bridge between a veteran and a youngster. We have to wait until April to know more about his future.
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