Everyone is assuming that the Denver Broncos will be cutting Russell Wilson, but Sean Payton is telling everyone to hit the brakes. For now.
When asked about the situation with Wilson, Payton told reporters that he isn’t sure what will happen just yet.
“It’s too early,” Payton said, via Troy Renck of Denver 7. “I spent half an hour with Russ yesterday and I told him ‘Look, I don’t think it’s going to be a long, drawn out process but it hasn’t been decided relative to what our plans are.’”
The Broncos benched Wilson for the final two games of the season after he declined to defer his $37 million injury guarantee. This has led most to believe that Denver will ultimately part ways with Wilson this offseason, as paying the remainder of his $245 million contract is not something the Broncos seem entirely interested in doing.
As for a potential trade, it doesn’t seem all that plausible. Not that Wilson can’t play anymore, but it’s difficult to envision another team taking on his deal while also surrendering assets to acquire him in the process.
Wilson was actually solid this year, throwing for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions while completing 66.4 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 98.
However, his debut campaign in Denver in 2022 was an unmitigated disaster, as he totaled 16 touchdowns and 11 picks in what was easily the worst season of his career.
The Broncos initially acquired Wilson in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks back in March 2022. Wilson made nine Pro Bowl appearances in Seattle, so Denver was hoping that production would carry over and transform the franchise.
Needless to say, it has not worked out, and it also seems fairly clear that Sean Payton, who just completed his first year as head coach in the Mile High City, does not exactly see eye to eye with Russell Wilson.
The Broncos went 8-9 this season.
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