Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton had an interview with reporters Friday about Russell Wilson’s benching that shocked the sports world and kept the same story saying the decision was just a football move. Moments later, the quarterback changed the whole narrative.
Wilson wasn’t scheduled to address the media. But when approached in the locker room, he took the opportunity to confirm media reports that Denver’s front office told him he would be benched for the team’s final nine games unless he agreed to delay a contract trigger guaranteeing his 2025 salary.
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“They came up to me during the bye week and beginning of the bye week, Monday or Tuesday, they told me if I didn’t change my contract, my injury guarantee, that I’d be benched the rest of the year,” Wilson said. “I was definitely disappointed about it. It was a process for the whole bye week. We had just come off beating the Chiefs, I was excited for us fighting for the playoffs and getting on a hot streak. Then the NFLPA and NFL got involved or whatever at some point.”
His $37 million salary for 2025 becomes fully guaranteed on the fifth day of 2024. Even if he sustained a major injury in the final weeks of the current season, the $37 million would still be owed to him. a
As we previously reported the Broncos signed Wilson to a five-year extension worth about $242 million before the start of his first season in orange and blue.
Throughout his career, Wilson has been a consistent performer and previously med the Seahawks to multiple playoff appearances. He is known for his ability to extend plays with his mobility and has a strong arm that allows him to make accurate throws downfield.
In his rookie season, Wilson quickly established himself as a rising star, setting an NFL record for most touchdown passes by a rookie quarterback with 26. He was named to the Pro Bowl and was also named the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year.
Since then, Wilson has continued to excel on the field. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times and has led the Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances, winning Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014. He has also been named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his off-field contributions and charitable work.