The Broncos made a surprising move on Wednesday, benching Russell Wilson in favor of Jarrett Stidham ahead of the Week 17 game against the Chargers.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported that Denver was considering the move to “preserve financial flexibility.” $37 million of Wilson’s salary will be authorized in March, and if he were to suffer a significant injury, the Broncos would possibly be unable to get out of paying it.
This move is similar to the Raiders when Derek Carr was benched late last season and Stidham took over. Carr was then released in the offseason.
Wilson is completing 66.4% of his passes and has thrown 26 touchdowns to eight interceptions. However, he has just 3,070 passing yards, which are the fewest of his career in a single season.
Additionally, this will allow head coach Sean Payton to evaluate Stidham in their final two games.
The 27-year-old Stidham has appeared in 14 games and started just two, both with Las Vegas last season. Across four seasons, he has completed 58.8% of his throws for 926 yards and six touchdowns to seven interceptions.
