Russell Wilson’s tenure with the Denver Broncos was a struggle to say the least. During his two years in the mile-high city, Wilson had passer ratings of 84.4 and 98.0 respectively, the former representing the lowest of his career.
And during that time, the Broncos produced a record of 13-21. It was nearly indiscernible from previous years despite Wilson being brought in to turn the franchise around.
Wilson signed a huge five-year contract worth $245 million, and brought with him Super Bowl expectations.
Team dynamics, however, became a key reason for the implosion of the relationship between the former Seattle Seahawks quarterback and the team.
The relationship between head coach Sean Payton and Wilson, specifically, was strained from the start. But the lengths the organization went to aid their QB in succeeding are starting to come to light.
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Denver Desperately Tried To Make It Work With Russell Wilson
Payton’s offensive system required quick decision-making and throwing over the middle of the field, which did not align with Wilson’s strengths, leading to a lack of cohesion and success on the field.
Now, Steelers Nation reports that Payton simplified the game plan significantly to help Wilson succeed. That includes boiling all of the play calls down to just “two words.”
The outlet reports on comments from CBS Sports analyst Aditi Kinkhabwala.
“He was constantly climbing out of the back of the pocket. He struggled with snap counts. He couldn’t manage or handle the play-calling,” Kinkhabwala said.
“They went from putting a wristband on [him] to by the end of the season, all the play calls had to be two words and everybody else was required to know what the play calls were.”
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Wilson Signs With The Steelers
Russell Wilson signed a one-year contract during the offseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers. It is a team-friendly deal where the Denver Broncos will pay him approximately $38 million for the 2024 season.
The Steelers, on the other hand, will only pay Wilson the veteran minimum of $1.21 million.
This arrangement makes the Super Bowl champion signal caller a bargain at his price, considering his career achievements and the potential value he brings to the Steelers.
While this is a positive move for Wilson, Kinkhabwala notes that Denver also views it as a positive. As does Payton.
“There is a very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very valid reason that Sean Payton, who is one of the best quarterback coaches and best offensive minds in our game… is saying I’m going to pay this guy millions upon millions of dollars to be nowhere near my locker room,” she says.
Perhaps this deal works out for both teams. Maybe it works out for Russell’s career. And maybe it allows Payton to continue excelling as a quarterback-friendly coach.
The Broncos grabbed Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Can Wilson, meanwhile, get back to his old Super Bowl-winning ways? Time will tell.
