Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton blamed the previous coaching staff for the team falling short of expectations in 2022. In the minds of some NFL coaches and executives, quarterback Russell Wilson had a lot more to do with what happened.
After playing well in 2021 with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson’s production plummeted in 2022 with Denver. Months after being involved in one of the biggest NFL trades of the year, the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback was one of the biggest disappointments in the league last year.
- Russell Wilson stats (2022): 84.4 QB rating, 16-11 TD-INT, 60.5% completion rate, 4-11 record, 3,524 passing yards, 234.9 passing yards per game, 37.0 QBR
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Behind Wilson’s career-worst season, Denver had one of the worst offenses in the NFL. It averaged the fewest points per game (16.9), had the lowest third-down conversion rate (29.13 percent) and ranked 21st in total yards per game (325.1).
While many blamed the issues on former head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who is now the New York Jets offensive coordinator, some around the league believe the blame falls on Wilson’s shoulders. More concerning, the issues don’t have anything to do with his talent or a physical decline.
Mike Sando of The Athletic released his 2023 NFL quarterback tiers, with executives and coaches offering insight and tiered rankings on the top signal-callers. Wilson, ranked 16th behind Derek Carr and Jared Goff, received pointed criticisms from coaches and executives.
“I think he was out of shape, I think he was reading his own press clippings last year, I think they bent over backwards for him in the trade, and he had them by the short hairs, but I think Sean Payton is going to get the most out of him. It would not surprise me if he plays well this year.”
Anonymous NFL offensive coordinator on Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson
- Russell Wilson contract: $22 million cap hit (’23), $35.4M cap hit (’24), $55.4M cap hit (’25)
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Criticism of Wilson is nothing new. Multiple reports this offseason suggested he was allowed to get away with a lot during Hackett’s tenure and it had a negative effect on the Broncos’ offense and locker room.
There is some optimism that things change with Payton. He’s one of the best play-callers in NFL history, bringing a track record that proves he can get the most out of quarterbacks who seem to be regressing physically. However, one executive believes Wilson’s turnaround is dependent on his attitude and willingness to accept coaching.
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“If Russ is not stubborn, if he has a willingness to listen and if he respects Sean Payton as much as I think he probably does, there will be more stability and he won’t do things that maybe are out of his declining skill set right now. Some guys, they are only willing to listen to someone they truly respect. Sean Payton’s system does allow for a lot of gimmes.”
NFL executive on Russell Wilson and Sean Payton
Fortunately for the Broncos, the early signs out of training camp are encouraging. Payton and Wilson are meshing well, which bodes well for the offense. If Denver doesn’t play up to expectations in 2023, though, there’s a strong belief that Payton will cut ties with Wilson next offseason.
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If that happens and Wilson doesn’t become more productive, the nine-time Pro Bowl selection will likely struggle to generate a strong market next offseason with one of the most untradeable contracts in the NFL.