Broncos' Russell Wilson says team warned him about benching during bye week, asked him to change contract

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Earlier this week, it was reported that Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson will likely sit on the Denver Broncos' bench for the remainder of the season. On Friday, Wilson revealed the team gave him an ultimatum about his benching a couple of weeks ago.

According to Wilson, the conversation revolved around the guarantee against injury in his five-year, $245 million contract he signed last year. The contract kicks in next season.

Wilson has an estimated $37 million in 2025 salary that becomes fully vested in March. If the quarterback suffers a significant injury at any point this season, it would complicate the financial situation, NFL Network reported.

Wilson spoke to the media after a practice Friday, revealing the team approached him during the bye in Week 9. 

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Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) after a win against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High Jan. 8, 2023, in Denver, Colo.  (Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

"They came up to me during the bye week and beginning of the bye week, Monday or Tuesday, they told me if I didn’t change my contract, my injury guarantee, that I’d be benched the rest of the year," he said. 

Denver will host the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, and Wilson is expected to serve as the backup to Jarrett Stidham.

Wilson added that, at some point, the players union learned about the situation. 

"I was definitely disappointed about it," Wilson said. "It was a process for the whole bye week. We had just come off beating the Chiefs. I was excited for us fighting for the playoffs and getting on a hot streak. The NFLPA