Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has officially benched quarterback Russell Wilson.
It’s a move that many saw coming, but yet was still surprising … In all likelihood, Wilson has taken his very last snap in a Broncos uniform.
It’s no secret that the Russell Wilson tenure in Denver has been an absolute disaster in every single way imaginable … The trade was hideous. The contract was worse. And the performance was just as ugly.
Backup Jarrett Stidham will take over as Payton looks for a “spark” on offense. While still alive for the playoffs, Denver’s chances took an enormous blow with their Christmas Eve nightmare loss against the New England Patriots.
Jerry Jeudy says he felt the decision to bench Russell Wilson “was a surprise to everybody in our locker room.” … “He (Payton) just told us out of nowhere. So, I was pretty surprised having Russ our starting the quarterback the whole year, then the last 2 games, being a switch.“ pic.twitter.com/3FSYbh3DRo
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) December 28, 2023
As for Wilson, some around the league feel that Payton “did him dirty.”
The ringleader of this train of thought is former quarterback, now ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III.
RGIII took to social media to express his feelings that Payton is to blame for the messy situation and not the $245 million quarterback.
“Sean Payton has been doing Russell Wilson dirty since the moment he became the Head Coach of the Denver Broncos. Hasn’t once shown him the respect he has earned as a Super Bowl Winning QB or with the respect you show to a QB your organization traded the farm for,” Griffin said.
Sean Payton has been doing Russell Wilson dirty since the moment he became the Head Coach of the Denver Broncos. Hasn’t once shown him the respect he has earned as a Super Bowl Winning QB or with the respect you show to a QB your organization traded the farm for. https://t.co/558aTY3263
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 28, 2023
“Russell Wilson’s biggest opposition this year was Sean Payton. Embarrassed him in the media, on the sideline, and every chance he got. After a long year of showing the locker room that Russ was never his guy, he benched him despite his improved play,” he added.
Russell Wilson’s biggest opposition this year was Sean Payton. Embarrassed him in the media, on the sideline and every chance he got. After a long year of showing the locker room that Russ was never his guy, he benched him despite his improved play
📺 https://t.co/7RqInHAXuu pic.twitter.com/4UQZm2FNmF
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 27, 2023
The strained relationship between Payton and Wilson has been a focal point throughout the season, with the fiery coach’s outburst in Indianapolis being one of the more lasting images of the year…
Sean Payton was livid and chewed out Russell Wilson on the sidelinepic.twitter.com/3NY1C8ptTP
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) December 17, 2023
Payton spoke about his decision to bench Wilson and the obvious financial motives that are assumed to be behind it…
“I understand all the speculation and everything that surrounds a move like that. I can tell you, we’re desperately trying to win,” Payton said. “Sure, in our game today there are economics and all those other things, but the number one push behind this – and it’s a decision I’m making – is to get a spark offensively.”
#Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton on benching #RussellWilson and why he made the move pic.twitter.com/3GhqUBqYvu
— Nick Ferguson (@NickFerguson_25) December 27, 2023
As for Wilson, he broke his silence with a statement on social media…
God’s got me.
Looking forward to what’s next.— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) December 28, 2023
What are your thoughts on the benching?
Do you agree with RGIII’s take? … Or is he out of line?
Whose contract is worse – Wilson’s or Deshaun Watson’s?
Assuming Wilson is indeed a goner in Denver, what team do you think will end up picking him up???