Russell Wilson Says Denver Broncos Benched Him For Refusing Contract Change

Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos says he was “disappointed and surprised” when head coach Sean Payton told him he would be benched for the team’s last two regular-season games.

“I felt like we were doing something special and rolling,” Wilson said on Friday, addressing the media for the first time since being benched.

“Obviously, we’ve had some difficult games, some difficult close games, but we still have a chance.” I will keep trusting in what God has in store for me.

“I’m going to keep putting my best foot forward every day and being as professional as I can, no matter what.” “I learned that a long time ago,” the 35-year-old quarterback remarked.

Wilson agreed to a five-year, $245 million contract extension in September 2022, which will begin next season.

Russell Wilson Says Denver Broncos Benched Him For Refusing Contract Change

According to ESPN, Wilson will be paid a “guaranteed $39 million in 2024 whether he is on the team or not,” and there’s also “another $37 million (his 2025 salary) guaranteed if he could not pass a physical on the fifth day of the new league year in March.”

Wilson told reporters on Friday that the team approached him after the Broncos’ Week 8 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and threatened to bench him if he didn’t move back his injury guarantee in his contract.

“We defeated the Chiefs.” They approached me at the start of the bye week — Monday or Tuesday — and informed me that unless I changed my contract, my injury guarantee, I’d be benched for the rest of the year… “I was definitely disappointed,” Wilson remarked.

“I wasn’t going to take away injury guarantees,” he said. “This is a very physical game.” “I’ve been playing for 12 years, and that’s important to me.”

Wilson claims that the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) and the NFL “got involved… at some point.”

“I came here to play,” Wilson continued. “I understood it would be a process… I signed a seven-year contract… My goal is for us to go out and play hard.”

Russell Wilson Says Denver Broncos Benched Him For Refusing Contract Change

When CNN contacted the NFL, they declined to comment. The NFL Players Association and the Denver Broncos have also been sought for comment on Wilson’s deal.

A healthy Wilson would give the Broncos more alternatives in approaching the quarterback’s future with the organization, while an injury to the 35-year-old in the final weeks of the regular season could limit the franchise’s options.

Meanwhile, Broncos coach Sean Payton spoke to the media on Friday but declined to answer questions.

“I’m handling football,” Payton explained to reporters. “That’s something that (general manager) George (Paton) and the front office (manage).”

“I’m not a part of any of that.” Certainly, I’m active in a lot of things, but… There will be a time and place near the end of the season where someone else can answer some of your questions. My main goal has been to win.

“I know how some of this has been written, but this decision is strictly what I believe gives us a chance for win No. 8,” Payton said.

“Now, it’s a difficult decision, but there’s no other option — for me and where I’m at in my career, all I’m interested in is another win.” There would be no other explanations. Russ has had a fantastic week. He handled the situation professionally.”

Payton had previously downplayed the economic reasons for Wilson’s benching.

“I understand all the speculation and everything that surrounds a move like that,” Payton said.

“I can assure you we’re fighting hard to win. Sure, there are economics and all those other elements in our game today, but the main thrust behind this — and it’s a decision I’m making — is to ignite a spark offensively.”

Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler in his 12th season in the league, has helped lead the Broncos to a 7-8 record this season while throwing for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

Wilson was moved to the Broncos before the 2022 season after playing with the Seattle Seahawks for his first ten seasons. Wilson was a key player in Seattle’s Super Bowl XLVIII triumph 2014.

The Broncos face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday before the Las Vegas Raiders on January 7, 2024, although Denver’s chances of making the playoffs are bleak.

SOURCE – (CNN)