Rob Gronkowski, a former NFL tight end, shared his candid thoughts on the Denver Broncos‘ decision to bench quarterback Russell Wilson.
The veteran quarterback will be benched for the next two games of the season by the Broncos, who seem to be moving on from him. Jarrett Stidham will start in his stead, just like he did for Derek Carr when the Raiders benched him at the same time last year.
The Broncos want Wilson to stay healthy because failing to do so would guarantee an additional $37 million, which they would not want to risk. Wilson’s physical is scheduled for March 2024.
The quarterback is not performing to the caliber of someone earning such a high salary, despite having a $39 million contract for the upcoming season. Given their poor postseason chances, it makes sense that the Broncos would want to bench him.
Gronk, who spoke once more on Kay Adams’ “Up And Adams” podcast on Wednesday, told it like it was, pointing out that Wilson is not Sean Payton’s preferred choice for head coach.
“I don’t think Russell Wilson is his (Sean Payton’s) guy,” he said. “Obviously if they can get out of his contract and get away from paying him next year, I’m not really sure how it works, or the year after, they’re going to do that. They’re going to move on and they’re going to get strategic about this situation in order to move on where it doesn’t hurt them financially…Russell Wilson isn’t the leader they were looking for.”
"Russell Wilson isn't the leader they were looking for…" @RobGronkowski and @heykayadams instant reaction to the @DangeRussWilson benching news @Broncos 😬 pic.twitter.com/mdxMxObXV4
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) December 27, 2023
Given the amount Wilson is owed, it might be challenging for Denver to find a trade partner.
Nevertheless, a team might be open to giving him a chance if they think he could succeed in a different setup.
