09 January 2024 , 21:11
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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has confirmed that a decision on Russell Wilson's future with the team is still up in the air. Wilson was benched for the last two games of the regular season, with Denver finishing 8-9 and missing out on the NFL playoffs in Payton's first year as head coach.
The move to bench Wilson came after it was clear the Broncos wouldn't make the playoffs. Jarrett Stidham stepped in as quarterback, leading the team to a win over the Los Angeles Chargers and a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Now that the season is over, the focus will shift to what happens next with the team's roster. Wilson's future has been a hot topic, and Payton has now given an update.
Speaking to reporters in his exit interview, Payton was asked about Wilson's future. He admitted he'd already spoken to the quarterback but no decision had been made yet.
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"When we get back and we begin this process of looking at our roster, where we select," Payton said. "There's so many things that go into a decision specific to the quarterback - which is significant, obviously."
"So it's too early at all. I spent a half hour with Russ yesterday [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'."
"But as soon as we know something, certainly he [Wilson] would be the first to know."
Payton was then asked about the possibility of Wilson remaining the franchise quarterback in Mile High City. Before being benched, Wilson played all 15 games for Denver in the regular season with 26 touchdown passes and eight interceptions.
Sean Payton has given an update on Wilson's situation in Denver (David Eulitt/Getty Images)"Yes, otherwise it would have been, 'Hey, goodbye'," answered Payton, to whether Wilson still had a future with Denver. "I said to you guys way back when we'll look at all of the scenarios and try to do what's best for the Broncos."
"But communication will be important. That final decision has not been made."
Wilson signed a $242.6 million five-year contract with the Broncos in 2022 after his trade from the Seattle Seahawks. The quarterback is set to receive $39 million for 2024, and would also earn $37 million as part of an injury guarantee for 2025 should he not pass a physical by March.
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