The Denver Broncos, still in the playoff hunt, have decided to make a quarterback change for the last two games of the regular season, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Russell Wilson will be benched, and Jarrett Stidham will make his first start against the Chargers this Sunday. Wilson will serve as the No. 2 QB for Week 17.
One significant reason for this change is financial, as reported by Rapoport. Wilson has a $37 million injury guarantee for 2025 that becomes fully guaranteed in March. Benching him for the final two weeks reduces the risk of a catastrophic injury, providing the Broncos financial flexibility if they decide to move on from the 35-year-old quarterback in 2024. While not confirmed, the late-season benching strongly suggests that Denver might part ways with Wilson after two seasons.
Wilson is due $39 million fully guaranteed in 2024.
Coach Sean Payton confirmed the new QB depth chart during a Wednesday press conference, emphasizing the team's goal to win and seeking an offensive spark as the primary motivation for the decision.
The decision parallels a tactic employed by the Las Vegas Raiders last season when they benched Derek Carr in favor of Stidham. Now, in Denver, Stidham takes over after signing with the Broncos this offseason.
Despite improved performance under Payton compared to a challenging first season in Denver in 2022, Wilson and the offense have struggled recently. The Week 15 loss in Detroit included a sideline scolding from Payton, highlighting a potentially uncertain future for the QB.
While the Broncos fought back from a 1-5 start to get into playoff contention with a five-game winning streak, recent losses, including Sunday night's defeat to New England, have diminished their postseason chances.
In 15 starts this year, Wilson has completed 66.4% of his passes for 3,070 yards, the fewest in 12 seasons, with 26 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. Once seen as the key to ending Denver's playoff drought, if this marks the end of Wilson's tenure with the Broncos, it will be considered a significant disappointment.
With an 8% chance of making the postseason, according to Next Gen Stats, the 7-8 Broncos need Stidham to lead them to victories over the Chargers and Raiders in the final two games and hope for additional help.
