The Denver Broncos have opted to bench Russell Wilson for their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers, adding to the uncertainty about Wilson’s future with the team. This decision comes as they face a crucial choice regarding the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
Broncos coach Sean Payton informed the team on Wednesday morning that Jarrett Stidham will start on Sunday, with Russell Wilson serving as the backup.
Coach Payton mentioned, “I understand there’s a lot of speculation about this decision, but let me be clear—we’re really trying to win.”
The quarterback switch is helping the Broncos financially for the next season. If Russell Wilson can’t pass a physical by early March, there’s a chance he could receive an additional $37 million guaranteed. If he gets injured in either of Denver’s last two games this season, this guarantee might come into play.
In the upcoming season, Russell Wilson has a new five-year contract worth $242.6 million, signed in 2022. He’s already guaranteed to make $39 million in 2024.
Yep, in today’s game, there’s money stuff and all that,” Payton said. “But the main reason behind this, and it’s my call, is to bring some energy to our offense.”
Wilson, at 35, later shared on social media that he’s eager for what’s next in his career.
Switching to Stidham could give a boost to the Denver offense, which has been slow for most of the season. Despite losing three of their last four games, the Broncos (7-8) still have a chance at making the postseason.
After the news of Wilson’s benching on Wednesday afternoon, the Broncos’ odds dropped from 5-point favorites to 3-point favorites over the Chargers.
The Broncos are middle of the pack in scoring, ranking 16th with about 21.8 points per game. They’re not great on third down, coming in 20th at 36.7%. In close situations to score, they’re 31st, and in passing yards, they’re 25th with 187.5 yards per game.
Russell Wilson is doing okay in touchdowns, tied for sixth with 26, but he’s not throwing for a lot of yards. He only had one really good passing game this season, and it was in a big loss to the Dolphins, 70-20.
Coach Payton acknowledged that the team had some challenges and room for improvement. However, he expressed enthusiasm about the addition of Stidham during the offseason. The coaching staff has been analyzing Stidham’s performances in both preseason and regular-season games, and they are eager to witness his skills on the field.”
Deciding what to do with Wilson is the Broncos’ key roster choice this offseason. They’re working with just six draft picks in April, lacking a second-round pick. If they decide to part ways with Wilson, it comes with a hefty cost—$85 million spread across the 2024 and 2025 seasons. This financial challenge adds complexity to the Broncos’ decision-making process.
Following Sunday night’s defeat against the Patriots, Wilson was questioned about his future. In response, he emphasized his current focus on the upcoming week and delivering a strong performance on the football field.
Russell Wilson Early life and background
Russell Wilson was born in Cincinnati and grew up in Richmond, Virginia. His mother, Tammy Wilson, is a nurse, and his father, Harrison Benjamin Wilson III, worked as a lawyer. Russell has an older brother named Harrison IV and a younger sister named Anna. He began playing football at the age of four and joined the Tuckahoe Tomahawks youth football team in sixth grade for his first organized game.
In terms of his family history, Russell’s great-great-grandfather was enslaved to a Confederate colonel but gained freedom after the Civil War. His paternal grandfather, Harrison B. Wilson Jr., served as the president of Norfolk State University and was an athlete at Kentucky State University. Russell’s maternal grandfather, A. B. Jackson, was a notable painter.
Analyzing his genetic background, Russell Wilson’s ancestry comprises 62% African, 36% European, and small percentages of West Asian and Central Asian. He also mentions having some Native American roots, although the specific tribe is not specified.
Sports run in the family, with Russell’s father playing football and baseball at Dartmouth and briefly being with the San Diego Chargers. His brother, Harry, played sports at the University of Richmond, and his sister, Anna, played basketball at Stanford.
Tragically, Russell Wilson’s father passed away in 2010, just one day after Russell was drafted by the Rockies.