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Many NFL fans were left stunned on Wednesday morning as it was announced that three different quarterbacks, including Russell Wilson, will be benched this coming weekend.
It was also announced on Wednesday that in addition to Wilson, Sam Howell and Tommy DeVito have lost their starting jobs in Washington and New York respectively.
The biggest shock, of course, is 35-year-old Russell Wilson being benched in Denver as he just signed a five-year, $245 million contract extension in 2022.
That contract extension also appears to be the reason for the benching as Wilson will earn a $37 million salary for 2025 that will vest in March 2024.
Russell Wilson has been benched, per sources. He was told early this morning.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) December 27, 2023
By benching Wilson, the seventh rated passer in the NFL, the 7-8 Broncos can be assured that the quarterback won’t suffer an injury that would prevent them from trading him in the offseason.
He will be replaced in Denver by Jarrett Stidham – the same quarterback who took over for Derek Carr in Las Vegas last season under almost identical circumstances.
How does that work? Is he the highest paid backup of all time? Russell Wilson is still guaranteed 76 Million over the next two years.
— Elliott Stample 🇺🇸 🇵🇱 🕊️ (@StampleElliott) December 27, 2023
And the league is okay with playoff contenders benching players due to contract considerations?
— Ƥαυℓ ♥️🐝 (@ghoti00) December 27, 2023
Meanwhile, over in Washington, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said about the team benching 23-year-old Sam Howell, “I think right now you watch him and he’s trying to make the perfect play. I think he’s reading a little bit more into some of the things that he sees out there. I think he’s just got to settle in and trust what he’s seeing initially and stick with the offense.”
Washington, 4-11, will go with journeyman Jacoby Brisset this week against the 49ers as they try to break a six-game losing streak.
Take a break??? There’s TWO games left in the season! There’s be plenty of time for Sam and the rest of the team to take a break, Jan 8th can’t get here soon enough!
— Joel (@jnez1) December 27, 2023
As for the 5-10 New York Giants, it appears as if the magical run by 25-year-old Tommy DeVito may have come to an end.
After being replaced by Tyrod Taylor in the middle of New York’s 33-25 loss to the Eagles on Monday, Giants coach Brian Daboll has decided to stick with the well-traveled Taylor for this weekend’s tilt with the Rams.
DeVito took home NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors just two weeks ago.
“I thought [Taylor] did some good things in the second half of Philly, so he earned the right to start this game,” Daboll said. “Getting ready for the Rams. Really have nothing else to add on it. That’s where we’re at.”
"I'm gonna continue to be a good teammate."
Tommy DeVito shares his reaction to being benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor: pic.twitter.com/u05ysKCu6A
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) December 27, 2023