Former All-Pro warns teams interested in Broncos' Wilson

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Former All-Pro warns teams interested in Broncos QB Russell Wilson

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 2/2/24

It's unclear where Russell Wilson will play football in 2024, but a divorce with the Denver Broncos seems inevitable.

With that in mind, former All-Pro linebacker Chad Brown provided a warning for whichever NFL team ends up with the quarterback.

Appearing on the "Zach Gelb Show," Brown said Wilson sabotaged head coach Sean Payton by not sticking to the game plan, and teams in the market for the nine-time Pro Bowler should be aware.

"That's the kind of guy you're going to get," Brown said. "The play-caller needs to know that as well, so their offense is going to have to be schemed in a way where they're not going to be crushingly disappointed that 'I've been working for three quarters to set up this play, and now this guy bails out at the line of scrimmage or decides not to go to his first progression because the pass-rush is giving him a little bit of pressure.'"

Brown communicated that Payton's style of setting up defenses early with the idea of following up in the second half clashed with Wilson, who often went "schoolyard," throwing off any hopes of creating a rhythm within the offense.

Wilson did rebound after a poor first season with the Broncos, completing 66% of his passes while throwing for 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions in 15 starts.

However, the Broncos offense ranked only 19th in the NFL, and the quarterback's turnaround statistically failed to translate into more wins, as Denver went 7-8 in his starts.

For now, Wilson is still a Bronco, but he may not be for long. He's due $39M guaranteed in 2024, and many expect the team to cut him before the NFL league year becomes official.

Furthermore, if he's not traded or cut before March 5, a $37M 2025 injury guarantee goes into effect.

At 35, Wilson has given no indication he plans on retiring any time soon, so he'll suit up somewhere next season. While there should be opportunities out there for the veteran, they might also be limited if decision-makers also see what Brown does.

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