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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jon Heath

GM George Paton’s future with Broncos uncertain after Russell Wilson benching

George Paton Russell Wilson Russ Broncos GM Sean Payton Denver (Organization) NFL

After the Denver Broncos benched quarterback Russell Wilson on Wednesday, fans and pundits are now questioning if general manager George Paton has a future with the team beyond the 2023 season.

Paton agreed to trade three players plus two first-round picks and two second-round picks to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Wilson last year. In addition to giving up those picks and players, Paton immediately gave Wilson a five-year, $245 million contract.

That will likely go down as one of the worst trades in NFL history, and the contract extension makes it even worse. Can Paton survive such a blunder?

Broncos ownership, likely with plenty of input from head coach Sean Payton, will have to make a decision on Paton’s future after the 2023 season. Denver will host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17 before closing out the season on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18.

Wilson went 11-19 as a starter and there’s a growing sentiment in Broncos Country that Paton might be shown the door in 2024.

Paton was hired by the Broncos in 2021 after John Elway stepped down from his GM role. Denver has gone 19-31 with Paton in charge.

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