NFL Rumors: Broncos’ Russell Wilson Benched for Jarrett Stidham by Sean Payton

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The Denver Broncos are reportedly benching veteran quarterback Russell Wilson in favor of backup Jarrett Stidham.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, head coach Sean Payton has informed the team that Stidham will start over Wilson against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport previously reported that the Broncos were considering the move in order to “preserve financial flexibility,” as $37 million of Wilson’s salary will vest in March, and if he were to suffer a significant injury, the Broncos would possibly be unable to get out of paying it.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo noted that the $37 million owed to Wilson during the offseason only becomes guaranteed if he is injured, so there is plenty of incentive for the Broncos to keep him healthy.

Jordan Schultz @Schultz_ReportSources to @BleacherReport: The #Broncos threatened to bench Russell Wilson weeks ago if he didn’t remove his injury guarantees.

Russell Wilson’s benching by the Broncos today is solely financially related and has been in the works for weeks, per multiple sources with direct… pic.twitter.com/pmq172Cm1H

Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the situation is similar to the one the Las Vegas Raiders faced with Derek Carr late last season. Vegas chose to bench Carr for Stidham, and Carr was released during the offseason.

If Wilson were to be released this offseason, James Palmer of NFL Network broke down the financial implications of such a move.

James Palmer @JamesPalmerTVIf this offseason the #Broncos part ways with Russell Wilson a post June 1 release would divide the $85 million in dead money over two seasons:
– $35.4 million in 2024
– $49.6 million in 2025

Stidham is currently Wilson’s backup, and Rapoport noted that Payton has some interest in seeing what Stidham can do in his offense.

Denver has been perhaps the NFL’s streakiest team this season, as it started the year 1-5 before winning five in a row and then losing three of the past four.

At 7-8, the Broncos’ playoff hopes are tenuous at best, as they must win out and have several other results go in their favor.

Prior to last season, the Broncos acquired Wilson in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks, sending two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant and defensive lineman Shelby Harris to Seattle.

It seemed like a logical move at the time since Wilson was a nine-time Pro Bowler, one-time Super Bowl champion and posted a career record of 104-53-1 during his 10 years with the Seahawks.

Wilson’s first season in Denver was a nightmare, though, as he threw for just 3,524 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions en route to a 4-11 record as the starter.

Nathaniel Hackett was fired during his first season as the Broncos’ head coach, and he was replaced by Payton during the offseason in hopes of the former New Orleans Saints head coach and offensive guru getting Wilson back on track.

It worked to some degree, as Wilson is completing 66.4 percent of his passes and has thrown 26 touchdowns to just eight interceptions, but his 3,070 passing yards are the fewest of his career in a single season.

Also, Denver ranks just 25th in the NFL in total offense and 16th in scoring offense with 21.8 points per game, so there is plenty of room for improvement.

The 27-year-old Stidham has not attempted a pass this season, but he has some game experience, having previously played for the New England Patriots and Raiders.

Stidham started the first two games of his career last season, and while he went 0-2, he acquitted himself well, completing 64.3 percent of his passes in those games for 584 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions while also rushing for 84 yards.

Even with Stidham in the lineup, the Broncos’ final two games are winnable against losing teams in the Chargers and Raiders.

If Stidham performs as well or better than Wilson over the final two games, it is fair to wonder if the Broncos will look to move on from Wilson during the offseason and replace him with Stidham or someone else.

Doing so may not be fiscally manageable, though, since the Broncos stand to incur a ton of dead-cap space by cutting or trading Wilson.