Kurt Benkert: Broncos Could’ve ‘Suspended’ Russell Wilson in order To Not Pay Him $245 Million

The NFL landscape can be very complex. In his latest tweet, former quarterback, Kert Benkert has exposed the Broncos‘ dilemma involving their QB Russell Wilson and HC Sean Payton. As per the insights brought forward by the fans from the past season, Payton was fervently scolding Wilson on the sidelines of the games. Now, Wilson has exposed the behind-the-scenes issues involving his contract and Denver Bronco’s financial obligations. 

The Broncos extended their contract with Wilson back in September 2022 estimated to be $245 million including $165 million in injury guarantees. As claimed by Benkert, “If Russ had snapped back at Payton during any one of those episodes the team could have suspended Russ for conduct detrimental to the team   – thus voiding his contract and giving the Broncos exactly what they wanted.” The motive of the Broncos has been further delved deeper in the video that is found under the tweet. In the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast, Willson further shares the secrets exposing the potential tactic employed by the team. 

According to Wilson, “They want to push back my injury guarantee and move it for the rest of the year so that if I get injured, then they don’t have to pay it.” Hence, this delicacy of contract negotiations highlights the complexities the players face on and off the field. The 2024 offseason has become a pivotal moment for the Broncos as they seek a new starting quarterback while the draft buzz gained momentum in Frisco, Texas at the end of January.

Broncos’ dilemma featuring Wilson

Appearing on “The Up and Adams Show’, coach Payton told host Kay Adams that he is looking to “fall in love” with a quarterback implying that for him Wilson is not the right person whom he can rely on. With the 12th overall pick in April’s draft, Denver will be looking at Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels to replace Wilson.

Among the three prospects, the former Heisman Trophy winner, Williams is touted as one of the most unique counterback prospects in years. With 3,633 yards in the past season and 30 touchdowns, he has become a subject of intense interest. Several teams are vying for the chance to draft Williams as a potential franchise quarterback. But as far as Denver is concerned, it is a position that the Broncos have been seeking to solidify since the retirement of Peyton Manning in 2016.   

The unpredictability of the draft added an element of suspense leaving fans and analysts eager about who is going to substitute Wilson. The question remains: What would it take for the Broncos to trade up and secure a top-tier quarterback, and is coach Payton ready to make a bold move to reshape the future of Denver? 

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