Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks with quarterback Russell Wilson (3) before the game against the New England Patriots on Dec. 24, 2023. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Sean Payton claims Broncos haven't made final decision on Russell Wilson

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 1/9/24

It appears the Broncos are prepared to move on from quarterback Russell Wilson after they benched him in Week 17, but head coach Sean Payton claimed there's a chance he'll remain in Denver next season.

"It's too early," Payton said Tuesday, via Troy Renck of KMGH-TV in Denver. "I spent half an hour with Russ [Monday], and I told him, 'Look, I don't think it's going to be a long, drawn-out process, but it hasn't been decided relative to what our plans are.'"

#Broncos Payton said no decision has been made on Wilson's future with team. Again, would be absolute shock if Wilson is back. #Denver7 https://t.co/oPRDct6v69
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) January 9, 2024

It seems Payton is saying this to save face. When the Broncos benched Wilson — who threw 26 TDs in 15 games, good for ninth in the NFL — it upset multiple players.

"We just won five in a row," one player told ESPN's Jeff Legwold. "We're all going to support [backup] Jarrett Stidham, but Russ was giving everything he had."

The relationship between the Broncos and the former Pro Bowler seems irreparable. Wilson recently revealed the club threatened to bench him during its bye week if he didn't remove an injury guarantee ($37M) that becomes his base salary in 2025. The Washington Post's Mark Maske reported Wilson's camp contacted the NFL Players Association, who sent a letter to Denver claiming it would take legal action.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler indicated he expects a messy divorce between the club and Wilson. He added the QB won't waive his no-trade clause and will probably become a free agent. Teams such as the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots might be interested in signing a veteran who's still a viable starter.

Releasing Wilson will incur $85M in dead money. Denver could split these charges over the next two seasons to lessen the financial blow. Per Over The Cap, cutting him with a post-June 1 designation will result in a $35.4M hit and no cap savings or losses.

Rebuilding through free agency isn't an option, so the Broncos must ace their draft. Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News predicted they will take LSU's Jayden Daniels — the 2023 Heisman winner — with the 12th overall pick.

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