Sean Payton benches Russell Wilson for Broncos’ upcoming game against the Chargers amid rift rumors, Jarrett Stidham set to be the starter

Russell Wilson will sit out for the rest of the season with Jarrett Stidham stepping in for him.

Sean Payton benches Russell Wilson for Broncos’ upcoming game against the Chargers amid rift rumors, Jarrett Stidham set to be the starter

Sean Payton is shutting Russell Wilson down for the rest of the season (via The Spun/NFL)

Broncos Country, let’s find ways to avoid paying our already overpaid QB the money owed to him! The Denver Broncos have made the decision to sit Russell Wilson for the rest of the season, for their own safety. Head coach Sean Payton informed the quarterback earlier this morning thereby rendering backup Jarrett Stidham as the team’s new QB1 as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

This has to mean that the Broncos have given up on their hopes of making the playoffs this season, they stand 3rd in the AFC West right behind the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders. With two games to go against the LA Chargers and the Raiders, they have to win both games to have a shot at making the playoffs. Sean Payton’s move sends the message that he believes the team’s odds of making the playoffs remain unaffected by making a significant change in the quarterback.

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There is a good chance that it was not just Sean Payton who made this decision at the last moment. The Denver Broncos front office had to have a role in influencing this decision because of the manner in which Wilson’s contract is structured.

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A Russell Wilson injury could lead to catastrophic consequences for the Denver Broncos cap space next season

Russell Wilson is owed $39 million by the Broncos for 2024 as part of his base salary. In addition to that if he were to suffer an injury that would require him to undergo major rehab, in that case, the amount guaranteed by the Broncos would almost double to $76 million because of a clause in his contract.

Russell Wilson
If Russell Wilson suffers a major injury, it would prove to be very expensive for the Broncos. (via Sports Illustrated)

Thereby, the Denver Broncos run a risk of losing $37 million by starting Russell Wilson. If the quarterback cannot pass a physical by March of 2024, the money will become guaranteed. The Broncos do not see the point in gambling away this huge sum of money with absolutely no guarantee that Wilson will be the key factor who will lead them to the playoffs.

Even if the team does make the playoffs, the Broncos are likely to get bounced out in the Wildcard round itself. Wilson has had a rough season, although he has improved when compared to last year, it has still not benefitted the team as the Broncos continue to lose and play subpar football. The quarterback’s contract contains $165 million in guarantees, $124 million of which had been guaranteed at signing. At this point, the Broncos are taking every precaution to ensure they do not incur any more financial liability on Russell Wilson.

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