The Denver Broncos, a storied franchise in the National Football League (NFL), have made a bold decision to make a quarterback change for the remainder of the 2023 season. This move comes as no surprise to many fans and analysts who have witnessed the team's struggles on offense.
For years, the Broncos have been searching for a reliable and consistent quarterback to lead their team. However, injuries and underperformance have plagued their signal-callers, leaving the team in a perpetual state of uncertainty. With their playoff hopes fading fast, it was time for a change.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday that the Broncos are benching Russell Wilson for the final two games of the regular season, per sources informed of the situation.
Jarrett Stidham will make his first start for the Broncos this Sunday against the Chargers. NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero added that Wilson will dress for Week 17's game as the No. 2 QB.
One key reason behind the switch is financial, per Rapoport. Wilson has a $37 million injury guarantee for 2025 that becomes fully guaranteed in March. Sitting the QB the final two weeks to ensure he doesn't suffer a catastrophic injury provides the Broncos financial flexibility if Sean Payton and Co. decide to move on from the 35-year-old quarterback in 2024. It's not a done deal, but the late-season benching is a strong indicator Denver will end the Wilson ride after two seasons.
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.
"Sure, in our game today there are economics and all those other things," Payton said. "But the No. 1 push behind this -- and it's a decision I'm making -- is to get a spark offensively."
Wilson, 35, took to social media later to say he was "looking forward to what's next" in his career.
The only other NFL quarterback who has thrown a touchdown in each of their team's games this season is Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills.
Benching Wilson to keep him healthy is a sign that Payton is ready to begin evaluations for the 2024 season as the coach continues to mold the roster to his liking.
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