A new report suggests the Denver Broncos could consider benching quarterback Russell Wilson for the final two games of the season and save a boatload of money, despite still having an outside chance at the playoffs.
After losing five of their first six, the Denver Broncos got on a serious hot streak midway through the season and reeled off five straight surprising victories. The win streak helped to salvage their season and thrust them right back into the playoff chase. However, their postseason hopes have fallen apart over the last two weeks.
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Two weeks ago they were blown out on the road by the NFC North champion Detroit Lions by a score of 42-17. They then suffered a stunning loss to the lowly New England Patriots at home in Week 16. Their latest defeat pushed them further out of a playoff spot and now they will need a ton of help in the final two weeks to sneak into the 2023 NFL playoffs.
Denver Broncos could save a whopping $37 million if they bench Russell Wilson in Weeks 17 and 18
However, they still have a chance and that is often more than enough for most teams and their fanbases. But according to CBS NFL insider Jonathan Jones, the team has a difficult decision heading into their Week 17 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
“The Broncos have a big decision ahead of them,” Jones wrote on X. “Play Russell Wilson in a season that will end in 2 games and risk potentially guaranteeing him an extra $37M, or sit him the rest of the way.”
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Denver gave the nine-time Pro Bowler a massive five-year, $242 million contract when they traded for him before last season. While he was far better in his second year, the team still has two years and over $50 million guaranteed for a QB who has not lived up to his huge contract. With him not living up to the deal, avoiding a massive $37 million payout is a huge savings for the team.
- Russell Wilson stats (2023): 3,07-0 passing yards, 26 TDs, 8 INTs, 98.0 rating
On paper, it makes a lot of sense to bench Wilson with them having the longest of long shots to make the playoffs. However, saving money over trying to win games is a tough sell to any sports fanbase.
