Title: Denver Broncos Face Playoff Elimination and Uncertain Future for Quarterback Russell Wilson
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the Denver Broncos find themselves out of playoff contention with a disappointing 7-8 record. With only a slim 1.4% chance of reaching the postseason, the team’s dreams of playoff glory have been shattered.
In a surprising announcement, head coach Sean Payton revealed that star quarterback Russell Wilson will be benched for the final two games, with Jarrett Stidham taking over as the starter. The decision to turn to Stidham is said to be aimed at providing an offensive “spark” after a recent 1-3 stretch. The Broncos insist it has nothing to do with Wilson’s contract, but many believe otherwise.
Speculation surrounding Wilson’s future with the team has been mounting, especially considering his reluctance to address questions about his Denver future. If Wilson were to sustain an injury in the final two games, it would prevent the Broncos from smoothly releasing him after the season.
Reports indicate that Wilson is anticipating being cut in March, and the Broncos reached out to his representatives in October regarding his contract. While Wilson has shown improvement in his performance this year, the Broncos’ overall offense has struggled, adding fuel to the fire of uncertainty surrounding the quarterback’s future.
Wilson’s hefty contract, worth a staggering $245 million, places a significant burden on the Broncos’ salary cap. Set to count $35.4 million against the 2024 cap, the team faces tough financial decisions. Although it is possible for the Broncos to move on from Wilson, doing so may not provide substantial short-term savings.
Currently signed through 2028, Wilson’s guaranteed money only extends until 2024. However, if he remains on the Broncos’ roster by the start of the next league year, his entire 2025 salary of $37 million becomes guaranteed. Releasing Wilson outright next year would result in a loss of $49.6 million in 2024, an illogical move for a team already projected to be over the 2024 cap.
One potential option for the Broncos is designating Wilson as a post-June 1 release. This would allow them to eat his 2024 salary without affecting the 2024 cap, but it would provide no immediate savings. On the other hand, trading Wilson seems unlikely due to the financial implications it would have on the team’s 2024 cap.
Furthermore, Wilson’s health for the remainder of the 2023 season is another factor to consider. Injured players cannot be released without a negotiated injury settlement, adding another layer of complexity to the Broncos’ decision-making process.
As the Denver Broncos bid farewell to their playoff hopes, the uncertainty surrounding Russell Wilson’s future with the team looms large. With financial considerations and questions about his performance, the Broncos must carefully navigate these murky waters, aiming to secure their long-term success while respecting their current salary cap limitations.
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