Sean Payton is coming into his first year as the head coach of the Denver Broncos and it seems he has quite the reaction towards Russell Wilson being his quarterback. Denver Broncos fans know this feeling all too well after last season.
Wilson reportedly got his wish when Sean Payton was hired as the team’s head coach this offseason, but there’s a chance that the move could see him on the outside looking in.
Matthew Berry of NBC Sports Edge reports that Wilson “is basically on a one-year audition” under Payton’s new regime. The report further added that Payton actually isn’t very fond of Wilson despite signing on to join the franchise where he’s the definite starter under center.
“Said one source: ‘I don’t think [Sean] Payton likes Russ. He’s got one year to prove himself or Payton will move on,'” Berry wrote. “This source pointed out that Payton has said multiple times in public, on the record, how Russell keeps ‘bothering Drew Brees.’ Payton tries to play it off for a laugh, but my source doesn’t think Payton actually think it’s funny.”
Wilson has been smeared and dragged through the mud ever since he signed a huge contract last offseason and he never lived up to a dime of it with his play on the field.
While the 34-year-old was signed to a five-year, $245 million contract extension, there is still a chance the team could cut ties with him after the 2023 campaign.
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“There’s no way Denver can cut him this year, but next year, while the dead cap hit would certainly be bad, it could be spread out over two years and wouldn’t be franchise crippling,” Berry stated.
In his first year with the Broncos, the nine-time Pro Bowler poured in 16 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, a 60.5 completion percentage, and an 84.4 quarterback rating. It was easily one of the worst seasons of his professional career. Denver finished last in the AFC West with a 5-12 record and first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett was fired in December.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks flourished without him and made the playoffs.
It sounds like Wilson will be on a short leash with Payton.
