Threats Loom Over Russell Wilson’s QB1 Role After Denver Broncos Acquire Standout Player

By now, it’s pretty clear that Russell Wilson’s 5-year $245 million contract with the Denver Broncos is anything but guaranteed in terms of security. After a disastrous debut season that ended with the firing of head coach Nathaniel Hackett, new HC Sean Payton has already tightened the ropes around the organization. Many have speculated that this might be Russell Wilson’s ‘audition’ year. And now, it looks as though the situation has compounded in complexity with a new quarterback in the picture.

The Denver Broncos added a new piece to their quarterback depth chart. And what makes this acquisition extra special is the fact that there is a comeback story at the center. The Broncos didn’t sign an undrafted rookie or another present-day NFL quarterback. Instead, they looked at the XFL to make Wilson’s life harder.

The Denver Broncos hire XFL quarterback behind Russell Wilson

When Russell Wilson arrived on his massive contract from the Seattle Seahawks in 2022, hopes were high throughout Broncos Country. However, the season ended in dire disappointment as the Broncos finished 5-12 with the lowest points per game (16.9) among all NFL offenses. Surely, there is a lot to work on for Sean Payton and Wilson. However, the franchise wants to keep its backup quarterback room filled to avoid a repeat of what went down with the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Broncos roped in former XFL signal-caller Ben DiNucci after his standout performance in the Dwayne Johnson-owned league this year. DiNucci also did an exceptional job when he received an invitation to the Broncos minicamp two weeks ago.

Alongside Russell Wilson, Ben DiNucci will join Jarrett Guarantano and Jarrett Stidham in the Orange Crush QB room.

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However, there is something about DiNucci that makes this off-season acquisition very special. And perhaps a bit worrying for Russell Wilson and the rest of the QBs fighting for a spot.

Ben DiNucci is staging a career comeback for the ages

James Madison University quarterback, Ben DiNucci, has been an NFL player before. In 2020, the Dallas Cowboys drafted Dinucci in the seventh round. However, he didn’t have the ideal start to his NFL journey. Having played only two games for Jerry Jones’ Cowboys, he only started one game where Dallas lost 23-9 to their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys waived the QB during their 2022 training camp. In his short first stint in the league, Dinucci had 0 touchdowns across 219 yards with a 53.4% throwing accuracy.

DiNucci landed in the newly reopened XFL and had a remarkable year quarterbacking for the Seattle Sea Dragons. He led the XFL in passing yards (2671), throwing 20 touchdowns to go with his league-high 13 interceptions.

Seattle seemed to do the trick for Ben DiNucci. Just like it did for 9x Pro Bowler Russell Wilson. The 2023 season kicks off in September and fans will know whom the Seattle charm benefits more in the quarterback department.