The Denver Broncos and Russell Wilson had two polarizing seasons together. Wilson, now with the New York Giants, had his share of supporters. He also faced speculation that he was on the decline. He was unable to shake that in 2024.
Moreover, there is a belief that what once made Wilson a standout and nine-time Pro Bowler (he earned his 10th trip last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers) is no longer in his repertoire.
For a player like Wilson, that could be even more career-altering.
“If you are a quarterback who has to create time — instead of one who knows where everything is, hits his back foot and throws it — then this is what happens to you,” an anonymous defensive coach said, per The Athletic’s Mike Sando on August 11.
An unnamed head coach said Wilson deserves credit for his prowess in the 2-minute offense and is a “legitimate starter.” However, he is in his fourth offense in the last five seasons.
Wilson’s playmaking was “magical,” but it is ”gone,” said an anonymous defensive coordinator.
“He can still do some things, but I think he is just declining. Some of the throws he was good at are not there for him anymore,” another unnamed DC said, per Sando. “I did not feel like he was ripping throws. Even his deep throws were like airball stuff, hoping George Pickens makes a play.”
Spat With Sean Payton Stands as Lasting Image of Russell Wilson’s Broncos Tenure
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks to Russell Wilson #3 before a game against the Miami Dolphins.
Wilson, who turns 37 in November, dropped from his Tier 3 standing in 2023 to Tier 4 in 2024. His ranking also fell for a fifth straight season. Wilson peaked with a tie for first in 2020 and went from eighth in 2022 to 16th in 2023, his two seasons with the Broncos.
Wilson and Broncos head coach Sean Payton were an ill-fitting stylistic match, which manifested in the quarterback’s inability to operate the offense as expected.
At one point, Payton was caught on camera screaming at Wilson over freelancing a play call.
Wilson downplayed the negative aspects of his time in Denver, but he acknowledged that it was not the most joy-filled experience.
“I wouldn’t say I’m ‘scalded,’” Wilson told reporters in May 2024. “I would say that if anything, I’ve just learned a lot. And I think that internally you get better, you get tougher, you use your experiences, you use the challenges that you’ve gone through to be the best version of you. And so I don’t blink, and I’m looking forward to the challenge and opportunity.”
Wilson spent the 2024 season in Pittsburgh, whom the Broncos beat 13-6 in Week 2.
However, a calf injury prevented Wilson from participating in that contest. He could get another opportunity to exact some measure of revenge against Payton when his Giants visit the Broncos in Week 7 of the 2025 regular season. That is, if he still has his job.
Russell Wilson Faces Internal Threat
GettyRussell Wilson #3 of the New York Giants looks on before facing the Buffalo Bills.
If the reality of his diminishing skill set does not register with Wilson, the former Broncos star also faces an internal threat of replacement at some point during the 2025 campaign.
Giants first-round pick Jaxson Dart (No. 25 overall) impressed in his NFL preseason debut.
There is increasing speculation that the Giants could turn to Dart at some point, replacing Wilson just as the Broncos essentially did in drafting Bo Nix with the No. 12 overall pick in 2024 after they took a historic cap hit to rid themselves of Wilson.
Payton said there was “no” hesitation about moving on from Wilson. That was despite a historic dead cap charge and without a QB of the future. The Giants are ahead of the curve in that regard.
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