Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson said he was “disappointed” and “surprised” when coach Sean Payton told him this week that he would be benched for the final two games of the season.
Wilson, speaking Friday for the first time since Payton announced that Jarrett Stidham would be the team's starting quarterback for the rest of the season, said the news caught him largely by surprise because the Broncos (7-8) were also early This week's 17s matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers remains in the playoff hunt, a game in which Wilson will be the No. 2 quarterback.
“I felt like we were doing something special and rolling,” Wilson said. “Obviously we had some difficult games, some difficult close games, but we still have a chance. At the end of the day, I will continue to trust in what God has for me. I will continue to do my best every day and be as professional as possible no matter what the circumstances. I learned that a long time ago.”
Wilson said he was approached by Denver after its Week 8 win against the Kansas City Chiefs and said he would be benched if he didn't withdraw an injury guarantee in his contract.
“We beat the Chiefs. They came to me at the beginning of the break week – Monday or Tuesday – and told me that if I didn't change my contract and my injury guarantee, I would be on the bench for the rest of the year. … I was definitely disappointed about it.”
Wilson confirmed reports that the NFLPA has been informed of the Broncos' request.
“I didn’t want to take away the injury guarantee,” he said. “This game is such a physical game. I’ve been playing for 12 years and that’s important to me.”
The Broncos ultimately did not bench Wilson after the bye week. He started the next seven games, the last of which was Sunday's 26-23 loss to the New England Patriots. Putting him on the bench now is a purely performance-based decision, Payton said. Wilson has turned the ball over five times as the Broncos are 3-1 in their last four games.
Payton, speaking earlier Friday, said he was “not privy” to the conversations the team had with Wilson when the veteran quarterback was approached about a contract adjustment.
“I care about football,” Payton said. “…That's something (general manager) George (Paton) and the front office (Handle) are doing. I'm not involved in that. Certainly I'm involved in a lot of things, but… At the end of the season, there will be a time and a place where someone else can answer some of your questions. My focus was on winning.”
Payton reiterated his stance from earlier in the week that benching Wilson was entirely a football decision.
“I know how some of this was written, but this decision is exactly what I think gives us a chance at win No. 8. Well, it's a tough decision, but there is no other – for me and where I am.” My career is all about getting another win. There are no other reasons. Russ had a great week. He handled it well professionally.”
Wilson said he still hopes to stay with Denver after this season but acknowledged his future could lie elsewhere.
“At the end of the day, I love this game,” Wilson said.
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(Photo: Andy Cross / MediaNews Group / The Denver Post via Getty Images)