The Denver Broncos find themselves at a crossroads as they evaluate the future of star quarterback Russell Wilson. Owner/CEO Greg Penner, general manager George Paton, and coach Sean Payton have all expressed their openness to Wilson returning in 2024. However, they made it clear that no decision has been made as of yet. This comes after a disappointing 8-9 season, marking the team’s eighth consecutive playoff miss and seventh consecutive losing season. The Broncos need to carefully consider their options for the sake of the franchise’s future.
Sean Payton made the decision to bench Russell Wilson for the final two games of the season, with Jarrett Stidham taking over as the starting quarterback. Wilson had previously revealed that he was asked to adjust his contract during the season and was warned of the possibility of being benched if he didn’t comply. Payton confirmed that he met with Wilson for 30 minutes to discuss the potential of his return, but emphasized that any decision will be made promptly. Communication and transparency will be crucial during this process.
While many in the league expect the Broncos to release Wilson in the coming weeks, Penner and Paton have expressed the possibility of his return. They maintain that discussions with Wilson and his representatives have been conducted in good faith. Releasing Wilson would have significant salary cap implications for the team and leave the starting quarterback position vacant once again. Both Penner and Paton are keen on exploring all possible scenarios before making a final decision.
Wilson disclosed that the Broncos approached him after their Week 8 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs about waiving a salary guarantee in his massive five-year, $242.6 million contract. This waiver would have granted Wilson an additional $37 million in guaranteed money for the 2025 season if he couldn’t pass a physical. Paton confirmed that he reached out to Wilson’s agent during the bye week in an attempt to adjust the contract but was unsuccessful. The decision to bench Wilson was solely a football-related choice made by Payton, regardless of the contract discussions.
Paton defended the Broncos’ handling of the situation, stating that they approached the contract adjustment with professionalism and good faith. However, he acknowledged that there might have been alternative ways to handle the situation. CEO Greg Penner emphasized that as the CEO, he receives briefings on player negotiations but ultimately trusts his team to handle those matters. Penner believes that their approach to Wilson’s agent was constructive, despite the lack of an agreement. The goal was to find a mutually beneficial path forward for both parties.
Releasing Russell Wilson would result in significant “dead money” charges against the Denver Broncos’ salary cap. According to league executives, the charges would amount to $35.4 million in 2024 and $49.6 million in 2025, totaling $85 million, the highest ever for a single player in the history of the salary cap. While acknowledging the financial impact, Penner stressed that it should not be the sole determining factor in the decision-making process. The Broncos must consider the long-term implications and the overall direction of the team.
As the Broncos weigh their options, the decision regarding Russell Wilson’s future remains uncertain. Penner, Paton, and Payton are leaving the door open for his return in 2024 but have not reached a final verdict. The franchise’s recent struggles and the need for change make this a critical decision for the Broncos. They must carefully evaluate all scenarios and communicate openly with Wilson and his representatives to find the best path forward. The next few weeks will shed more light on the Broncos’ intentions and the future of their quarterback position.
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