Denver Broncos to sign familiar quarterback as Russell Wilson era ends ugly
The Denver Broncos are set to re-sign quarterback Ben DiNucci for 2024, as Russell Wilson is expected to leave.
DiNucci is preparing to sign a futures contract for 2024 with the Broncos. The 27 year old impressed at the team's rookie minicamp and was re-signed to the practice squad after being let go in August. He had a successful stint with the XFL's Seattle Sea Dragons last season, but his sights are now set on the NFL.
"Monday morning, I'll come back and sign a futures contract for next year, so I'm excited about that," DiNucci shared on Thursday. However, former starting quarterback Wilson won't be returning to Centura Health Training Center, following a decision by head coach Sean Payton and the Broncos organisation.
READ MORE: Russell Wilson backed as NFL analyst slams 'thug' Broncos coach Sean Payton
READ MORE: Russell Wilson breaks silence on Broncos benching and confirms ruthless ultimatum
Jarrett Stidham started and won his first game as a Broncos quarterback in Week 17, while Wilson was benched due to a contract dispute. Despite the Broncos being out of playoff contention, Payton confirmed that Stidham would finish the regular season. Meanwhile, Wilson revealed the real reason behind his removal to reporters.
Joe Burrow backs Patrick Mahomes after Kansas City Chiefs reach Super BowlWilson confirmed that the Broncos had given him a tough choice about his big five-year contract worth £191.3 million. The team added a £29.2m injury guarantee if he got hurt which would kick in come March, but back in October, they told him to change the deal or sit out of games.
The Broncos were allowed to ask Wilson to change the deal, and he could say no, but things have turned sour. Wilson's not playing for the rest of 2023 and is looking for a new team, while the Broncos are stuck with a big bill for the star player they still owe money to.
Payton said it wasn't about the cash, but Travis and Jason Kelce have stood by Wilson. "I think there's s*** going on. And obviously, it's he said-she said from a lot," Travis Kelce mentioned on his New Heights podcast.
"And I think everybody's just trying to stay away from the topic and saying generic things like that take the blame off of them. Or make it not look like it's not all about the money, which we all know (the) NFL is always, all about the f****** money!"
Jason Kelce also said: "I mean, you hate to see this happen to a player with the pedigree that Russ has, and what he's meant to the NFL. You know this isn't what anybody likes to see especially as a player."
Aaron Rodgers, a fellow big name and quarterback in the NFL, had some empathetic words for his fellow player who's been struggling with recent events. "My heart actually goes out to Russ for dealing with this," he said on The Pat McAfee Show.
"I think, say whatever you want about him, like... I think he's handled this pretty well." He continued to praise and support his peer, ending with: "I definitely applaud him for speaking on it because it's a tough situation and you know he basically said what he said... Said what went down, which is pretty scandalous, that they would do that."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]