If the Broncos cut Wilson, they will still have to pay him $85 million.
The Denver Broncos have informed quarterback Russell Wilson that he will be benched for the final two games of the regular season, and he is expected to be cut by the team next March.
Russell Wilson is expecting to be cut by the Denver Broncos in March, per league sources. For almost two months, the quarterback has been starting knowing the organization was most likely going to move on him from after this season.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) December 28, 2023
If the Broncos cut Wilson, it will mean he didn’t play a single snap for the team under the extension but will still be paid $85 million by the Broncos.
Wilson and the Broncos struggled at the beginning of the season, getting off to a 1-5 start; however, they turned things around, winning five in a row before losing three of their last four. The Broncos are still in playoff contention, but by benching Wilson, they are essentially punting on the season to save money.
Additionally, the relationship between Wilson and Broncos head coach Sean Payton has been contentious from the start and hit a tipping point when Payton yelled at Wilson on the sidelines following an offsides penalty in their 42-17 loss to the Detroit Lions on Dec. 17. Wilson will finish the season passing for 3,524 yards, 16 TDs, 11 interceptions, and a career-low 84.4 passer rating.
“We need a spark. We need something right now,” Payton said, according to The Athletic. “We’ll handle the long term when we get there.”
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Source: Black Enterprise
