With the NFL regular season winding down and the Denver Broncos technically still in the playoff race, the team has made the decision to bench quarterback Russell Wilson, according to multiple reports. The move comes as the Broncos aim to not only preserve their financial flexibility but also evaluate the team's offense with backup Jarrett Stidham as the new starting quarterback for the remaining two games.

According to sources, one of the main motivations behind this decision is the financial aspect. Wilson currently has a $245 million contract with the Broncos, which includes $39 million guaranteed for the 2024 season. However, an additional $37 million becomes guaranteed if Wilson is still with the team in March 2024 or if he suffers an injury before then. This increased likelihood of the Broncos trading or cutting him before that guarantee takes effect plays a role in their decision to explore other options at quarterback.

In addition to financial considerations, there are also reports suggesting that the move is driven by the desire to assess how the team's offense performs under Stidham's leadership. The two-year, $10 million contract that Stidham signed in the offseason is seen by some as an indication that the Broncos' head coach, Sean Payton, was keeping his options open in case he felt that the long-term fit with Wilson was not ideal.

Commentators like Colin Cowherd have pointed out potential clashes in personality between Payton and Wilson. Cowherd describes Payton as intense, confrontational, and outspoken, while attributing a more laid-back and "uberoptimistic" persona to Wilson. Despite these differences, some analysts, like James Jones, believe that Payton took on the Denver job with the intention to help Wilson regain his form after a challenging season in 2022.

The decision to bench Wilson puts a dent in the Broncos' hopes for a playoff spot. With a current record of 7-8, their path to the playoffs became even more uncertain following their recent loss to the New England Patriots. It is speculated that Wilson's benching could mark the end of his time in Denver, potentially allowing Payton to bring in his own quarterback during the upcoming offseason.

Should the Broncos part ways with Wilson, both Cowherd and Jones anticipate that there will be interest from other teams, such as the Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans, given Wilson's impressive resume and past accomplishments in the league.

As the regular season draws to a close, the Broncos' decision to bench Wilson creates new possibilities and uncertainties for the team's future direction. The evaluation of Stidham as the starting quarterback provides a glimpse into what the Broncos' offense may look like under new leadership and sets the stage for a potentially eventful offseason for the franchise.