Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos are a love story that was never meant to be. In their 2 seasons with Wilson, the team didn’t make the playoffs the first time and are about to miss out on the second one. Whatever the reason might be, backup Jarrett Stidham took over for the QB, ending his inconsistent season on week 16.

The side got their hands on Mr. Comeback with mountains of hopes, and the QB’s track record promised a good fit in QB-focused defensive HC Sean Payton‘s system. But the promise was never delivered, and the hopes never came true other than a handful moments of magic. Worst of all, the contract itself turned out to be the thorn in Wilson’s Broncos career.

End of the Broncos’ Russell Wilson era?

The team signed the Super Bowl XLVIII winner last summer with a five-year, $242.5 million deal even before the QB threw his first yard. But that $37 million injury guarantee in his contract seems to be the root of the problem. Wilson informed The Athletic that the side sent him an ultimatum asking to push back his injury guarantee earlier in the season.

“We beat the Chiefs. They came up to me during the bye week… Beginning of the bye week, Monday or Tuesday. And told me that if I didn’t change my contract, my injury guarantee… I’d be benched for the rest of the year”, Wilson stated on December 29. And it came true, catalyzed by Wilson’s suddenly degraded performances nearing the end of the regular season.

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NFL 2023 Recap: How Russell Wilson Got Benched Despite Getting the Broncos Through a Rut?

Wilson’s season was marred with inconsistencies and letdowns. However, after the ugly contract saga, the QB might start to feel the need to find a new team. He will still be available as a backup for Jarrett Stidham during Sunday’s Raiders clash, for one last time if the Broncos do not make it further. Talking about a new team, what are the options available for Wilson?

Potential destinations for QB Wilson next season

Wilson’s portfolio consists of one Super Bowl and a thousand 4th quarter comebacks. Easily, any team that can afford his salary will want him. And luckily for the QB, some sides are looking for a potent passer next season. Starting with the Patriots, they’re definitely in the biggest need for an experienced QB. Then comes the Steelers, who just need an elite QB to convert their ‘winning seasons’ into ‘Super Bowl-winning seasons’.

Vikings could be another stable destination. The latest reports suggest that the Falcons are after QB Kirk Cousins, and Kevin O’Connell might need a trusted name to replicate his 13-4 2022 season next year. Last but not least, the Panthers are equally deserving of a dependable QB, being officially the worst performers in the season. No. 1 draft pick Bryce Young didn’t really live up to his name, and next time the side might trust a household name rather than the drafting process.

That being said, it all comes down to the final game of the season. Would the Orange Crush get to see one final snap from Russell Wilson against the Raiders if Stidham had to come off?

Watch This Story: “They Didn’t Bench Him”: The Athletic Journalist Uncovers Russell Wilson – Sean Payton Saga Amid Broncos’ Rumors