Jarrett Stidham has been given the nod to start in place of Russell Wilson for the remaining two games of the season. The strategic decision to sit Wilson is rooted in financial considerations, as his salary for the 2024 season is guaranteed if he sustains an injury. By sidelining him, the Broncos aim to avoid a hefty financial commitment and potentially open the door for other offseason moves.

The move signifies a departure from the current trajectory, with the Broncos signaling that they may cut or trade Wilson in a manner reminiscent of the Brock Osweiler deal in the offseason. The team is unwilling to absorb a $37 million hit in 2024 money that would be guaranteed to Wilson in case of injury, making the decision to bench him a calculated financial move.

This decision marks the end of Russell Wilson’s time in Denver, with expectations that the Broncos will release him before the 5th league day of 2024. The impending release is anticipated to result in a significant dead cap hit for the Broncos, underlining the financial complexities involved in parting ways with a high-profile player.

Looking ahead, the Broncos will embark on a search for a new signal caller to lead their team. Speculation has emerged about potential unconventional trades, reminiscent of the Brock Osweiler deal, where the Broncos might part with draft picks to alleviate the burden of Wilson’s contract from their financial books.

As the Broncos navigate the complexities of this quarterback transition, the NFL community watches with keen interest, anticipating how this strategic move will shape the future dynamics of the franchise.

Sources claim that Payton harbors discontent with Wilson, suggesting that the decorated quarterback may not have been Payton’s preferred choice for leading the team. The speculation intensified during a recent game where Payton’s frustration seemingly boiled over, leading to a heated exchange between the coach and his quarterback.

During a critical drive, Russell Wilson showcased his prowess on the field, orchestrating an impressive sequence of plays. However, tensions reached a tipping point when the Broncos, on 4th-and-goal, were penalized for offensive offsides, nullifying what appeared to be a potential touchdown. In the aftermath, Payton directed his ire not only at the officials but also at Wilson.

Witnesses described the scene as a “very animated discussion,” with Kevin Harlan noting that it seemed to be a “one-sided discussion with his quarterback.” The failure to challenge a play that could have reversed the fortunes of the Broncos added fuel to the alleged discord between Payton and Wilson.

As the Broncos navigate a turbulent period in their season, questions linger about the dynamics within the team. Whether these rumored tensions will have lasting implications for the Broncos remains to be seen, but the specter of a coach-quarterback rift looms over the Mile High City.

Why is Sean Payton yelling at Russell Wilson here? Russ was great on that drive. Payton is the one who didn’t throw challenge flag on what looked like a TD. pic.twitter.com/CN6nxb9xPR

— Andrew Perloff (@andrewperloff) December 17, 2023

The Broncos’ acquisition of Russell Wilson, considered a blockbuster move at the time, has faced scrutiny as the team’s struggles persist. Despite significant investments in Wilson and other assets like Sean Payton, the hoped-for turnaround has yet to materialize.

A 1-5 record reflects the team’s difficulties on the field, with the defense regressing, and the offense struggling for consistency. While Wilson’s individual performance has been relatively solid, the ultimate measure is wins, and the Broncos have a challenging 5-16 record with him as the starter.

Furthermore, financial implications loom over the Broncos’ decisions. As noted by reports, significant injuries could trigger additional financial commitments, adding $37 million on top of the $39 million already guaranteed.  Maneuvering for draft position to possibly select USC QB Caleb Williams could be the best option for the franchise.

As the Broncos weigh their options for the remainder of the season, significant changes are on the horizon. The team’s performance moving forward and the choices they make in the coming weeks will undoubtedly shape their path for the 2024 season and beyond.

In the deal Denver is sending three players and five draft picks to Seattle in exchange for Wilson and a fourth round pick.

Here is how it plays out:

DEN trades:
Shelby Harris
Drew Lock
Noah Fant
First round pick
First round pick
Second round pick
Second round pick
Fifth round pick

SEA trades:
Russell Wilson
Fourth round pick

That is a lot to trade but Denver was out of moves. Teddy Bridgewater cannot last 17 games, Drew Lock is too inconsistent, and it is looking like Malik Willis & Kenny Pickett will both be top 3 selections in the 2022 NFL draft.

A silver lining is that Seattle will take on a cap hit of $27 million in the deal.

I am excited for the season. In my best Russ voice, GO BRONCOS.

Someone snapped a few pictures of Russell in a Hawaiian shirt with his teammates and somehow it became immortalized in meme form. You can always count on the #FutureHive:

LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Brittney Griner, Jason Collins, Michael Sam, Kain Colter, Michael Strahan, Maya Moore, Derek Jeter, Floyd Mayweather, Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman, Mo’ne Davis and The Jackie Robinson West Little League Team are all on the list.

For a full list of the honorees, please visit: http://staging.ebony.com/power100-2014/.

CHICAGO (November 11, 2014) — EBONY® Magazine today unveiled its annual EBONY Power 100 list, which salutes the remarkable achievements of African-Americans in 2014. Among the game changers honored this year are NBA player LeBron James, Sam’s Club CEO Rosalind Brewer, television producer Shonda Rhimes, music producer Pharrell Williams, actresses Audra McDonald, Gabrielle Union and Laverne Cox, comedian Kevin Hart, ballerina Misty Copeland and Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Quincy Jones –composer, record producer, artist, film producer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, TV producer, record company executive, magazine founder, multi-media entrepreneur and humanitarian –will receive the EBONY Achievement Award. The gala celebration will take place in Los Angeles on November 19, at the AVALON Hollywood.

The EBONY editorial team selected the 100 most influential African-Americans in the country. These achievers have made noteworthy accomplishments over the past year. The list of outstanding leaders highlights individuals from a variety of fields, including business, medicine, sports, media, religion, the creative arts and more. As the curator of the African-American experience, EBONY is proud to showcase these individuals.

These leaders are honored and recognized for changing the course of history and making an enduring and lasting impact in their communities and the world.

“The EBONY team is very excited to recognize the accomplishments of the honorees on this year’s Power 100 list,” said Mitzi Miller, editor-in-chief of EBONY Magazine. “From grassroots to the corporate boardrooms, all of the selected individuals have made a significant impact on both African-American and American cultures. They are truly an inspiration to keep striving.”

The 2014 Power 100 list will appear in the December issue of EBONY, on newsstands the week of November 17. The full list of the EBONY Power 100 can also be found at EBONY.com here.

The December EBONY is also dedicated to the topic of race. The publication looks at race relations in America today, and provides an opinion on why race still matters.

“Normally, our December issue is dedicated to the biggest achievers of the year,” added Miller. “However, throughout 2014, the issue of race has been an ongoing conversation. EBONY is taking it a step further and encouraging results-driven conversations on the issues.”

To supplement the feature, EBONY.com will also feature five videos on race relations interviews with thought-leaders including Dr. Ben Carson, Marc Lamont Hill, Melissa Harris Perry, Al Sharpton, Julian Bond, Dr. Cornell West, Marian Wright Edelman, Dr. Steve Perry and many others.

About EBONY:

EBONY is the No. 1 national consumer lifestyle magazine targeting the African-American community. As the longest-running Black publication, EBONY has the largest reach in the African-American print space, reaching nearly 20 million readers annually. EBONY features the best thinkers, trendsetters, celebrities and next-generation leaders of African-Americans. EBONY ignites conversation, promotes empowerment and celebrates aspiration. Available nationwide on newsstands and on all digital platforms, EBONY is the heart, soul and pulse of African-Americans.

I’ve been on the record thinking Nassib and Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson will be the most successful QB’s among the class, but for Lande to put him first on his big board will certainly drop some jaws. Nassib is currently projected as a second round pick, but seems to be moving up the board (use Lande’s board as proof).

Florida State DE Bjoern Werner was also given a top overall grade on Lande’s board, but Nassib was given the nod because of the importance of his position. I’m not a huge fan of Werners. I think he has all the skills to be a good DE, but I don’t see him as a perennial All-Pro. He tends to take plays off which should throw up some red flags for potential teams.

Nassib tends to be “jittery” in the pocket when defenders are in his face, but has improved his ability to read defenses every season at Syracuse. He has shown strong arm strength and propensity to make the big play when it’s needed. His accuracy is spotty at times, but his footwork has been night and day to when he was a freshman.

Buffalo Bills head coach Doug Marrone is widely credited for developing Nassib into an NFL-caliber QB. If Nassib drops past the 40th pick (the Bills second round), we’ll know his own head coach didn’t think he was a 2nd round worthy pick. Remember, players like Colin Kaepernick, Andy Dalton, and Russell Wilson all took their teams to the playoffs this season despite not being 1st-round picks.

After Nassib, Lande ranked Tyler Wilson, Matt Barkley, Mike Glennon, and Gino Smith. Gino Smith is expected to be the first QB taken off the board, but it’s a crap-shoot from there. The combine will show us a lot more once it comes. Don’t put too much stock in what teams are saying or what the combine shows. How they perform on tape will be the main factor for teams selecting their QB. It should be a fun weekend.

Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisDommermuth