The big news in the NFL this week involves the Denver Broncos and quarterback Russell Wilson. Looking to ensure that they don’t have to pay out his entire contract, the Broncos are opting to bench their veteran quarterback despite still having a chance to make the postseason.
Russell Wilson has a vesting option in 2024 that is guaranteed only for injury. Looking to ensure that he remains healthy, head coach Sean Payton is turning to Jarrett Stidham as his starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2023 season.
Stidham is turning into a bit of a grim reaper for veteran quarterbacks as this is the second straight season he will be taking over for a player so that the team can avoid paying more money. Last season he did it with the Las Vegas Raiders, who were moving on from Derek Carr.
NFL News & Rumors: Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings Updates
For the Broncos, this is a move they have been contemplating for weeks. Russell Wilson was first told of potentially being benched back in October before they started rattling off victories. The team wanted him to push back his guarantees and threatened to bench him and make him inactive for games.
It took a little longer for it to get to that point, but the Broncos look ready to move on from Russell Wilson. The expectation is that he will get released at some point before the $37 million payment is due to him.
Where could the former Super Bowl MVP end up? According to Dustin Baker of Vikings Territory on X, formerly Twitter, the Minnesota Vikings are the odds-on favorites to sign Russell Wilson this offseason.
NFL News & Rumors: Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings Updates
The Vikings could have a huge need at the position as their starter, Kirk Cousins, is set to hit free agency. Cousins also injured his Achilles in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers. It is certainly possible that he has to miss part of the 2024 season recovering.
It will be interesting to see how the offseason unfolds as there are going to be some solid quarterbacks available in free agency, the trade market and the NFL Draft. Russell Wilson will likely seek out a team closer to contention as he heads into the twilight of his career.
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