If Denver Broncos fans would've been shown quarterback Russell Wilson's 2023 statistical line before this season—26 touchdowns against eight interceptions—they probably would've been elated to see the team's 2022 gamble finally pay off.
Things, however, did not unfold quite so smoothly. Wilson improved, yes, but not enough to steer the Broncos to their first winning season since 2016. Coach Sean Payton benched the quarterback for the last two games of the season over concerns with his contract, and a bitter divorce seemed imminent.
On Tuesday, Payton provided reporters with an update on the situation. The Denver coach revealed he recently met with Wilson for 30 minutes, seemingly with the intent of working out a resolution satisfactory to both team and player.
"There's so many things that go into a decision specific to the quarterback," Payton said. "I spent a half-hour with Russ yesterday. I told him, 'Look. I don't think it's gonna be a long, drawn out process, but it hasn't been decided relative to what our plans are.' As soon as we know something, he would be the first to know."
Too early to announce a decision on the future of Russell Wilson. Here’s Sean Payton #Broncos #BroncosCountry @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/taeNAUBDCD
— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) January 9, 2024
Broncos general manager George Paton didn’t shut the door on Wilson running it back in Denver next season.
“I've talked to Russ,” Paton told reporters Tuesday. He's open to returning."
The Broncos acquired Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks in the spring of '22, giving up a glut of draft capital in the deal and eventually signing the signal-caller to a $245 million extension. That year, Wilson had by far his worst statistical season, throwing 16 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
A rejuvenation in '23, however, might not be enough to keep the nine-time Pro Bowler in the Mile High City.
