The three hottest seats for the Denver Broncos

After receiving ridicule for multiple embarrassing incidents, HC Nathaniel Hackett was fired by the Broncos with two games left in the 2022 season. Clearly, the ownership group expects more from its $4.65 billion purchase than a 5-12 record and a seventh consecutive season without a playoff appearance.

Here are three Broncos on the hottest seats.

1. Quarterback Russell Wilson

Were you expecting center Lloyd Cushenberry III?

Last season was a stain on Wilson's legacy. He did not look like a player worth the two first-rounders (and much more) traded to Seattle to get him. The nine-time Pro Bowler posted career lows in passing TDs (16), completion percentage (60.5) and passer rating (84.4). 

Besides a dreadful on-field performance, Wilson reportedly created tension and confusion off the field. Per The Athletic, he undermined coaches by having his office on their floor and puzzled players by trying to install his Seattle offense, which failed. Denver's offense ranked last in scoring.

HC Sean Payton won't give Wilson special treatment. The 2024 draft class has several attractive QB prospects, including USC's Caleb Williams. 

Wilson must cook in 2023 or his football marriage with Payton could end up in a quick divorce.

2. General manager George Paton

In two seasons with Paton as GM, Denver has won 12 regular-season games, tied for the league's fourth-worst mark. He oversaw the Wilson trade and hired Hackett as HC. Both decisions plunged Denver into the NFL's abyss. 

Paton has an eye for talent -- he drafted first-team All-Pro Patrick Surtain II -- but he seems to lack the savvy needed to build a championship team.

Denver hired Payton for his Super Bowl pedigree and ability to oversee every aspect of a team, including personnel. If the Broncos slide in 2023, how long will it be before Paton cedes power to Payton?  

3. Defensive end Randy Gregory

Denver signed Gregory to a five-year contract with $28M guaranteed, per Spotrac. The deal was a mistake. 

In 2022, the former Cowboy battled injuries, playing in only six games and recording two sacks. He was involved in a fight in Denver's Week 16 blowout loss to the Rams, negative attention the downtrodden organization didn't need. 

Gregory must get it together in 2023 or be usurped by one of Denver's younger pass-rushers. Baron Browning, 24, had five sacks in 14 games last season.