27 December 2023 , 19:50
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The Denver Broncos have made the tough decision to bench their starting quarterback, Russell Wilson, for the last two games of the regular season. This comes after a disappointing year that saw their playoff hopes dashed.
Wilson, who joined the Broncos after being traded from the Seattle Seahawks, has been the team's starting quarterback this season. However, with the Broncos on the brink of elimination from the NFL playoffs as we head into Week 17, changes have been made.
After a 26-23 Christmas Eve loss to the New England Patriots, leaving them at 7-8 for the year, the Broncos are now 12th in the AFC standings. With only two games left, their chances of making it to the postseason look slim.
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On Wednesday, news broke that the Broncos had decided to bench Wilson for the rest of the season. ESPN reports that Jarrett Stidham will take over as the starting quarterback for the Week 17 and 18 games against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders. The team was informed of the decision by coach Sean Payton on Wednesday.
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Despite being benched, Wilson is set to receive $39 million (£30.5m) in guaranteed money in 2024 as part of a five-year deal he signed with the Broncos in 2022. The $245 million (£191.5m) extension also includes a potential further $37 million (£28.9m) in an injury guarantee, which he would receive in 2025.
The report suggests that the Broncos' decision to bench Wilson might be a move to save some money. If Wilson can't pass a physical in March, he'll receive a $37 million bonus. This comes as the Broncos are unlikely to make the playoffs, regardless of how their last two regular season games go.
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It's not been a good season for Wilson (AP)The Broncos' move hints at a possible change in their quarterback line-up in the off-season, but there's no official word from Denver yet. After the Broncos' Christmas Eve loss to the Patriots, 35-year-old Wilson was asked about his future. - he insisted he's still determined to bring success to Colorado.
“I’m just worried about next week and playing great football," Wilson told reporters on Sunday. "I came here to win and win a championship for us and to find a way to do that. I obviously love being here with these guys, these teammates. I’m excited to keep playing ball and playing hard for us.”
Wilson has thrown 26 touchdown passes and eight interceptions this season for the Broncos, but he'll be on the bench for the Week 17 game against the Chargers this Sunday. After a tough start to the year that began 1-5, Denver managed to win five straight games, sparking hopes of reaching the playoffs. However, three losses in the last four weeks have made it unlikely that the Broncos will secure a spot in the postseason.
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