The Denver Broncos announced they would be benching quarterback Russell Wilson for the remainder of the season earlier this week, and on Friday, Wilson spoke out about the situation.
“They came up to me during the bye week and beginning of the bye week, Monday or Tuesday, they told me if I didn’t change my contract, my injury guarantee, that I’d be benched the rest of the year,” Wilson said, referring to the $37 million guarantee that would vest this March (via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk).
This news comes as no surprise, as reports stated that this was the primary reason why the Broncos decided to sit Wilson with just two games remaining.
But, of course, hearing it from Wilson’s mouth confirms it.
“I was definitely disappointed about it,” added Wilson. “It was a process for the whole bye week. We had just come off beating the Chiefs, I was excited for us fighting for the playoffs and getting on a hot streak. The NFLPA and NFL got involved or whatever at some point.”
Wilson was in the middle of a solid bounceback season, having thrown for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions while completing 66.4 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 98.
However, it seems fairly clear at this point that the Broncos have no interest in moving forward with Wilson, who signed a massive $245 million contract extension with the club that runs through 2028.
Even with the writing on the wall, Wilson says he would like to remain in Denver.
“I came here to play here, to win,” Wilson said. “I knew it was going to be a process. I signed a seven-year deal. I want to be here, I want to play here, I want to win championships here.”
It doesn’t seem like Wilson will get to see that through.
The Broncos acquired Wilson in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks in March 2022. Wilson trudged through a dreadful debut campaign in the Mile High City, totaling 16 touchdowns and 11 picks.
In spite of him rebounding this year, it appears that the Broncos want to start fresh in 2024. That probably means releasing Russell Wilson this coming offseason.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
