Russell Wilson’s first two years in Denver were a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. Tumultuous could be a greater phrase for Wilson’s time as a Bronco, however that doesn’t imply it ought to robotically come to an finish simply due to a number of bumps within the street. His first season was unhealthy, and whereas his second season improved on the sphere, it wasn’t an general success due to perceived (or precise) friction between Wilson and Sean Payton. Nonetheless, one other 12 months collectively, studying from one another, and rising with the staff, may very well be one of the best transfer.
Certain, it felt like Payton was all however done with Wilson when he benched him late within the season whereas Denver nonetheless had a shot at making the playoffs. That wasn’t one of the best look, and though Wilson is nowhere close to his Seattle prime, he performed a lot better this season. After all, the discuss is on the market about Payton wanting to move on and far of it revolves round Wilson’s huge wage cap quantity.
Contracts apart, who can the Broncos go get that’s certain to be higher? Justin Fields’ identify has been tossed round in commerce situations for Denver. He’s clearly a lot youthful and athletic than Wilson, however there’s no assure he’ll take the staff additional. The Broncos had been on the cusp of a playoff berth when Wilson was benched. Whereas transferring on from Wilson would remove his deal, it’s a must to make certain whoever you herald is able to surpassing Wilson’s manufacturing.
Wilson improved in many areas from what we saw in year one with the Broncos. He threw extra touchdowns (26) and had a greater QBR (50.8) and passer score (98) than his first season in Denver. Wilson handed for fewer yards, but additionally had fewer makes an attempt and managed to finish extra passes than the earlier 12 months. The stats weren’t mind-blowing, however they had been an enchancment and the staff gained three extra video games with Wilson on the sphere.
For the 2024 marketing campaign, Wilson’s cap hit is $35.4 million together with his lifeless cap quantity totaling $85 million. So, the Broncos may attempt to discover some determined staff/coach that thinks they will “rehabilitate” Wilson’s profession, or they will stick it out for yet one more season and see how issues pan out. It’s not like there was no enchancment as soon as Payton arrived. Wilson is just not Drew Brees, regardless of their related stature. Payton knew who he was inheriting and the circumstances when he took the job.
The Broncos can at all times draft a quarterback, however once more, no ensures there. Except you’ll be able to purchase one of many prime prospects, and even then, the draft is a crapshoot. Wilson was as soon as a third-round choose nobody anticipated something out of, however he was positioned in the appropriate system with the appropriate teaching employees and staff that was able to win. The Seahawks had been in a position to be affected person and produce him alongside slowly, though he grew to become a rookie starter.
In the end, it looks as if Denver/Payton are destined to maneuver on from Wilson, however they need to exhaust all choices earlier than doing so. A improper transfer right here and it’s too straightforward to finish up within the NFL cellar profitable 4 or 5 video games. Wilson is not a top-five QB, however he’s nonetheless a greater possibility than many others obtainable to the Broncos.
