Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Report reveals new details on messy Broncos, Russell Wilson situation

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 1/4/24

Don't expect an amicable divorce between the Denver Broncos and quarterback Russell Wilson.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the 35-year-old isn't expected to give the franchise "any favors," including waiving his no-trade clause. Removing this clause could allow the Broncos to reduce his cap hit. Per Over The Cap, trading the former Pro Bowler with a post-Jun. 1 designation would result in an $18.4M hit, compared to $35.4M if it releases him.

The Broncos recently benched Wilson and named Jarrett Stidham the starter. While head coach Sean Payton said he was simply trying to ignite "a spark," it appeared to be a financial move.

Wilson recently told the media Denver threatened to bench him during its bye week if he didn't remove an injury guarantee ($37M) that becomes his 2025 salary. Per Mark Maske of The Washington Post, the NFL Players Association sent a letter to the Broncos on Nov. 4, claiming it would take legal action.

NEW: The NFLPA told the Broncos in Nov. 4 letter their threat to bench Russell Wilson over injury guarantee in contract was illegal and violated the CBA, creating the possibility for litigation and arbitration against the team and NFL. Story upcoming at https://t.co/GXHkX9kbHu. pic.twitter.com/H4GmBLWrP6
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) December 31, 2023

Regardless, the former Super Bowl champion's play improved after a disastrous 2022 season, and he could attract some suitors if he becomes a free agent this offseason, which is likely. The Athletic's Dianna Russini, Larry Holder and Nick Kosmider reported Wilson believes the club will cut him in March.

In 15 games, Wilson completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 3,070 yards, 26 TDs, eight picks and an above-average 98 passer rating. During a recent appearance on "SportsCenter," Fowler noted the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots might be interested in adding a solid veteran QB.

How does he keep doing this @SuttonCourtland | : CBS pic.twitter.com/xlRoH9GGBk
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 10, 2023

The Broncos (8-8), meanwhile, must find out if Stidham is a viable starter. On Monday, Payton implied a Week 18 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) will determine the 27-year-old's future.

If he fails to impress, taking a QB in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft is the next move. Per Tankathon, Denver has the 14th overall pick. Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema suggested Oregon's Bo Nix is the "perfect prospect" if the Broncos don't trade up.

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