The Denver Broncos already have a lot on their plate heading into the offseason. That took a major blow after Russell Wilson’s revelation about being threatened weeks ago during bye week.

As most know, Wilson was benched in favor of Jarrett Stidham last week. From that moment, things seemed off although most felt that it was a sign that both would go separate ways after the 2023-24 NFL season.

Things took a different turn when the 35-year-old made a bombshell revelation. Wilson claims that the Broncos had threatened to bench him if he did not waive the $37 million injury guarantee for the 2025 season. That would be locked in this March.

This is the most honest and raw side of Russell Wilson that I've seen. pic.twitter.com/NrwpNcdR9A

— Rachel Vigil (@heyrachelvigil) December 29, 2023

NFLPA issues warning to Broncos after Russell Wilson threat

That Russell Wilson revelation did not sit well with the NFLPA. They sent a letter to the Broncos, stressing that the alleged threat they made Wilson violated the collective bargaining agreement. The NFLPA further said that the Broncos could be facing legal action because of it.

“It has come to our attention that the Denver Broncos recently informed Mr. Wilson and his Certified Contract Advisor that if Mr. Wilson would not renegotiate his Player Contract to relinquish certain salary guarantees, the Broncos would remove him from the starting lineup,” part of the letter sent by NFLPA attorney Jeffrey Kessler dated November 4 read via the Washington Post.

NEW: The NFLPA told the Broncos in Nov. 4 letter their threat to bench Russell Wilson over injury guarantee in contract was illegal and violated the CBA, creating the possibility for litigation and arbitration against the team and NFL. Story upcoming at https://t.co/GXHkX9kbHu. pic.twitter.com/H4GmBLWrP6

— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) December 31, 2023

“If the Broncos follow-through on the Club’s threat, the Club will violate, among other things, the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Mr. Wilson’s Player Contract and New York law. And, we are particularly concerned that the Broncos still intend to commit these violations under the guise of ‘coaching decisions.’ ”

The move raises questions on the previous move of coach Sean Payton, claiming that the Russell Wilson benching was because of the 9-time Pro Bowler’s poor performance this season. The said threat changes the entire narrative, something that may leave the Broncos having to do damage control by the offseason.

“When you mistreat a guy like Wilson, that ain’t going to happen. I think Sean messed with the wrong guy because (Wilson) told the story,” an unnamed executive said to The Athletic.

Where will Russell Wilson quarterback next?

One clear thing is that the Broncos-Wilson partnership has come to an end. Even if this issue is resolved amicably, it is hard to fathom seeing the Super Bowl champion QB sticking around in Denver next NFL season.

Hence, the next question is which NFL team would take in Russell Wilson. Given that he knows what it takes to win, other teams in need of a proven play-caller are expected to explore options with the former Wisconsin Badger.