Russell Wilson’s latest social media activity indicates the Broncos forced him onto the bench

The Broncos have benched Russell Wilson in favor of Jarrett Stidham.

Russell Wilson’s latest social media activity indicates the Broncos forced him onto the bench

Russell Wilson (L) and Sean Payton (R) (Credits: Imago)

On Wednesday, the Denver Broncos shocked the entire league by benching their expensive quarterback Russell Wilson despite still being in the hunt for a postseason spot. The Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton believes their backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham will give his team a better shot at winning, but people are not buying that.

There are many speculations that the Broncos shockingly benched Wilson despite his good campaign. People believe the Broncos benched Wilson since he wouldn’t defer an injury guarantee trigger date he has for 2025.

YouTube video

Many believe that Russell Wilson was basically forced out of Denver’s starting QB job and Wilson’s recent social media activities only added fuel to the speculations.

FS Video

The 35-year-old quarterback has liked many posts on X, which reported about the Broncos threatening to bench him if he refused to adjust his contract. Wilson risked losing $37 million in guarantees if he adjusted his contract. He also liked a post that said that the Broncos might cut the former Pro Bowl quarterback in March if the situation keeps worsening.

Furthermore, it was also reported that the benching was not just a result of the Broncos losing to the struggling New England Patriots. The Broncos have been reportedly planning and threatening to bench him since October. It seems like, Payton never had Wilson in his future plans in Denver.

Still, this decision to bench Wilson, who has been super productive came as a surprise to everyone including his teammates. The Broncos wideout Jerry Jeudy told the reporters that Payton told him about the benching “out of nowhere”.

Related: Skip Bayless calls Aaron Rodgers a ‘master media manipulator’ amid his return saga for the Jets

Sean Payton explains the decision to bench Russell Wilson

Following the controversial benching of Russell Wilson, the Bronco’s head coach Sean Payton addressed the media on Wednesday and explained his decision to go with Jarrett Stidham instead of Wilson.

Russell Wilson Broncos
Russell Wilson (Image via SI)
I understand all the speculation and everything that surrounds a move like that. I can tell you, we’re desperately trying to win. Sure in our game today there are economics and all those other things, but the number one push behind this — and it’s a decision I’m making — is to get a spark offensively.
Payton told the reporters

The Broncos are currently holding a 7-8 record and have an 8% chance to make the postseason per ESPN. But, the move by the Broncos to bench Wilson led to many believing they have already given up on their 2023 season. Nonetheless, they will take on the Los Angeles Chargers under Jarrett Stidham this weekend in their week 17 matchup.

In Case You Missed It: