The Denver Broncos announced way back on March 4 that they planned to release quarterback Russell Wilson, a move that became official on March 13.
The original announcement came three weeks ago, but it feels like it happened ages ago due to the whirlwind nature of the NFL offseason. Broncos coach Sean Payton did not publicly comment on the release until Monday when he was asked about Wilson at the NFL’s annual league meeting in Orlando.
Payton’s explanation was brief.
“We felt it was in the best interests of our team,” the coach said, via Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette.
After being cut by Denver, Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers worth the league minimum ($1.21 million). Payton said it was a good move for the 35-year-old quarterback.
“It’s a good opportunity for Russ,’’ Payton said, via KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. “First off, they’re a playoff team, a team that wanted to make a change at quarterback and certainly he has a chance to be a starter there.”
Broncos general manager George Paton had a much more diplomatic response when asked about Wilson’s departure — and the GM accepted some blame for the failed trade that brought the QB to Denver.
“We took a shot on a quarterback who’s had a lot of success in this league,” Paton said, via Klis. “Nine pro Bowls, won the most the first 10 years in this league.”
George Paton, on the Russell Wilson acquisition and aftermath: “… At the end of the day, we didn’t play good enough offense. We didn’t win enough games. I’m accountable for that.” pic.twitter.com/1ARHIWRG0K
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) March 25, 2024
“It wasn’t just Russ,” Paton said. “There’s a lot of contributing factors as to why we didn’t win. At the end of the day, we didn’t play good enough offense. We didn’t win enough games. I’m accountable for that. No one tried harder than Russ to make this work. Appreciate his effort, the professionalism he showed. Total pro. Wish him the best in Pittsburgh, he’s going to a good team. Just wish the best.”
Wilson is set to return to Denver this fall because the Steelers are among the Broncos’ 2024 opponents. That game is shaping up to be must-watch TV.
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