The Denver Broncos have made a major move by benching Russell Wilson and starting backup Jarrett Stidham in his place.
The strategic move to bench Wilson was to “preserve financial flexibility.“
“The quarterback change helps increase the Broncos’ financial flexibility this upcoming offseason, as Wilson will make an additional $37 million in guaranteed money if he can’t pass a physical by early March. An injury to Wilson in either of Denver’s last two games of the season could trigger that guarantee,” says ESPN.
According to the outlet, next season marks the first year of a five-year, $242.6 million extension signed in 2022 by Wilson, who already will make $39 million guaranteed in 2024.
From the outset, the relationship between Wilson and Broncos head coach Sean Payton was seen as a one-year experiment. If Wilson thrived under Payton’s guidance, the hope was that they could build a successful partnership for years to come. However, if things didn’t click, a major change was always on the table.
“I came here to win and win a championship for us and to find a way to do that,” Wilson said after Sunday’s game. “I obviously love being here with these guys, these teammates. I’m excited to keep playing ball and playing hard for us.”
Jarrett Stidham will make his first start for the Broncos this Sunday against the Chargers.
