Russell Wilson Struggles Under Pressure, Facing Criticism And Declining Performance With the Giants

Russell Wilson has struggled significantly, ranking near the bottom of NFL quarterbacks in Total QBR and completion percentage. He has been hit 40 times while running or throwing, tied for the most in the league. These struggles have intensified scrutiny of his role as a starter, prompting head coach Brian Daboll to say the team is “evaluating everything” regarding the quarterback position.

Wilson’s poor play was evident in the 22-9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He threw for 160 yards and two interceptions, including a critical misfire in a red zone possession late in the game. Fans reacted negatively, booing after his second interception and a questionable fourth-down throw, reflecting growing frustration with his performance.

Rookie Dart Brings Mobility, Preparation, and Excitement to Revitalize Giants’ Offense

Dart has been preparing for this opportunity since the Giants traded back into the first round to select him. He impressed coaches throughout spring and summer practices, moving ahead of Winston on the depth chart. Even during brief game action, fans showed excitement when Dart took the field, a stark contrast to their reactions to Wilson’s mistakes.

Dart brings a more mobile, dynamic approach to the Giants’ offense, including the ability to run and execute zone-read plays. His playing style in practice and preseason gave the team a different look compared to Wilson’s offense. Dart’s first extended game will test him against a Chargers defense allowing fewer than 300 yards per game, but his skill set could give the Giants fresh options and a spark for their struggling offense.

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Despite being a first-round pick, Dart primarily operated with the third team, though he briefly rotated in with the starters during red zone drills and showcased a mixed performance, throwing a touchdown, rushing for one, and ending practice with an interception.

Giants Implement Structured Quarterback Rotation as Wilson Leads in New Offensive System

The Giants began their Phase 3 offseason workouts earlier in the week, with Wednesday marking their second OTA session and the first visible breakdown of quarterback reps. Head coach Brian Daboll confirmed that all quarterbacks would receive snaps, emphasizing a structured and detailed plan for their development.

Wilson consistently worked with the first-team offense, followed by Winston, Dart, and DeVito in descending order. The team is clearly evaluating its depth and hierarchy at quarterback, though Wilson’s role as the presumed starter has been reinforced throughout spring practices.

Wilson, who signed a one-year deal with the Giants this offseason, is acclimating to a new offensive system led by Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. Despite a sluggish start to Wednesday’s practice, he settled in and eventually connected with Darius Slayton for a highlight touchdown.

Wilson brings a wealth of experience, having started 199 consecutive games in his NFL career and earning 10 Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl title. His leadership and attention to detail have already made a positive impression on teammates and coaches alike, particularly in the quarterback room, which features a mix of experience and youth.

Giants Balance Veteran Leadership and Rookie Development in Evolving Offensive Quarterback Strategy

The Giants’ strategy this offseason is a blend of short-term competitiveness and long-term planning. Wilson and Winston were brought in to stabilize a struggling offense that ranked 31st in the league last year. At the same time, drafting Dart with the 25th overall pick signals the team’s intent to develop a future franchise quarterback.

DeVito remains on the roster as a developmental player with starting experience from last season. Together, this mix gives the Giants a deeper and more competitive quarterback room compared to the 2024 season, which featured Daniel Jones and Drew Lock at the top of the depth chart.

One notable absence from OTAs is rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who is currently sidelined with a toe injury that dates back to his time at LSU. Coach Daboll clarified that the team is exercising caution and that Nabers has not undergone any procedures.

The Giants’ medical staff is managing his rehab conservatively to ensure a full recovery before training camp. While the injury isn’t considered serious, Nabers’ absence is noteworthy given the anticipation surrounding his role in revitalizing the Giants’ offense. His return will be closely monitored as the team continues offseason preparations.

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The 36-year-old quarterback is now officially with the New York Giants after signing a one-year contract on Wednesday, just a day after agreeing to terms with his third team in as many years and his fourth team in five years.

But with the Giants, Wilson is focused on one goal.

“I expect to be the starter and to be able to come here and rock and roll every day,” Wilson said during a Zoom call Wednesday. “I think this team’s really looking for somebody to lead them in every way — in terms of the process, in the offseason, during the season, our habits and our thought process and how we create a great winning culture.

“How do we continue to establish that and to really build on things that we do well and the things that we continue to need to do?”

A source familiar with the contract told The Associated Press that it is worth up to $21 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed. This person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team didn’t announce financial details.

Wilson joins a quarterback group that includes veteran Jameis Winston, who signed a two-year contract last week, and Tommy DeVito, an exclusive rights free agent who was re-signed on March 8. New York also holds the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft next month and could still choose to select a quarterback.

“The great part about professional sports is constant change, constant movement,” Wilson said. “If we draft a quarterback, we’ll make sure he does everything he can to be ready to go and be prepared with his mentality.

“But for me, I’m focused on winning — what I can do as a quarterback of the New York Giants to help us win and do everything we can to lead?”

Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, helped Pittsburgh reach the playoffs last season, throwing for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdown passes, and five interceptions with a 96.5 passer rating. However, the Steelers lost five straight games at the end of the season after a strong 6-1 start with him.

The Steelers allowed Wilson to become a free agent, just like they did with Justin Fields, who signed with the Jets. While there was a chance Wilson could return to Pittsburgh, the Steelers also met with Aaron Rodgers last week, who could still sign there if he decides to play a 21st NFL season.

Wilson met with the Giants and felt that the fit was right

“First of all, Aaron Rodgers is a tremendous football player,” Wilson said. “He’s done some amazing things in this league. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been able to do some great things, too. What I’m focused on right now is what we can do here. That’s been my focus since I signed.

“Also, too, along the way is finding a place that will continue to believe in you.”

Wilson called Pittsburgh “a special, special place” for him and spoke highly of his former Steelers teammates, including T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward.

“But coming here and being in New York is an exciting place to play,” Wilson said. “It’s a place that wants to win and knows how to win and has won before. For me, it’s bringing everything I know, all the experiences and touchdowns, all the wins, and all the love and passion for the game to the locker room. That’s what I’m really excited for.

“It’s going to be a special, special thing and we’ve got to go work for it every day and go do it.”

Wilson spent part of his night across the Hudson River at Madison Square Garden, where he watched the New York Knicks lose to the Los Angeles Clippers. Wilson, seated next to actor Matthew Modine, was shown on the video board to cheers, signed a football, and then tossed it into the stands to fans.

Wilson played two difficult seasons in Denver after spending 10 years in Seattle, where he helped the team win a Super Bowl in February 2014 at MetLife Stadium — Wilson’s new home stadium.

“I have some amazing memories here,” he said. “Some of my most fond memories of this game that I poured my heart and soul into every day happened right here in this stadium right across the street in MetLife Stadium. I’m excited to create some more memories with some amazing teammates for this amazing fan base.”

Wilson mentioned at least a dozen of his new Giants teammates during his 20-minute chat with reporters. Among those players was young wide receiver Malik Nabers, who spoke to Wilson before the quarterback signed.

“This guy, when he touches the ball, he may score every single time,” Wilson said, adding that Nabers is a “freak of an athlete.”

He also praised his new coach, Brian Daboll, saying “he’s been around greatness and knows what it looks like and sounds like,” pointing out his five Super Bowl rings as an assistant.

“What I like about Dabs is just his mentality, his attack mentality,” Wilson said. “We haven’t been able to talk a whole bunch of ball yet, but I’ve been able to see a bunch over the years and understand who he is.

“I think that’s the exciting part about what we can do and all the guys we have around us.”

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His return to MetLife Stadium is significant, as he won Super Bowl XLVIII there as a member of the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson expressed excitement about joining the Giants and is expected to be their starting quarterback for the upcoming season.

Giants Reshape Quarterback Room but May Still Draft a Future Starter

With Wilson joining the Giants, New York is no longer a potential destination for Aaron Rodgers. The move also leaves Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wilson’s former team, as potential partners if Rodgers decides to continue playing.

Wilson’s arrival comes just days after the Giants signed Jameis Winston to a two-year, $8 million contract, positioning him more as a backup. The Giants’ quarterback roster now includes Wilson, Winston, and Tommy DeVito, who has played in 12 games for the team over the past two seasons.

Despite signing Wilson, the Giants could still draft a quarterback next month. The team holds the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft, and owner John Mara has emphasized the need to secure a long-term solution at the position.

Wilson, Winston, and DeVito are all on short-term deals, leaving open the possibility of a young quarterback being selected to develop under Wilson’s guidance. The team previously explored adding Wilson last offseason but decided to stick with Daniel Jones, who was ultimately benched and released.

Wilson’s Recent Struggles and Career Journey Before Joining the New York Giants

Wilson’s move to New York follows a mixed 2024 season with the Steelers. After joining Pittsburgh last offseason on a one-year deal, he battled a calf injury but eventually became the team’s starter in Week 7. He initially led the team to a 6-1 record but struggled late in the season, with the Steelers losing their final five games.

Wilson finished the season with a 6-5 record, throwing 16 touchdown passes to five interceptions while completing 63.7% of his passes. However, he also took 33 sacks, raising concerns about his durability and performance.

Before his stint in Pittsburgh, Wilson played two seasons with the Denver Broncos after being acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Seahawks. The Broncos signed him to a five-year, $242.6 million contract, but the team struggled, finishing 11-19 in his tenure.

Denver released him last March despite the significant financial burden of his contract. Wilson originally spent 10 seasons with Seattle, where he won a Super Bowl and solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. Over his 13-year career, he has amassed 46,135 passing yards, 350 touchdowns, and a 64.7% completion rate, making him a key figure in NFL history.

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The Raiders have hired John Spytek as their new general manager. Spytek’s football career intersected with Brady’s twice: once when they both played college football at Michigan, and again when Spytek worked in the Buccaneers’ front office.

The general manager Spytek worked under in Tampa, Jason Licht, was also part of the New England Patriots’ scouting staff and front office during Brady’s time with the team. Licht reshaped the Buccaneers’ culture by hiring the 68-year-old Bruce Arians out of retirement, and when Arians and Licht wanted to make a strong cultural impact, they brought in Brady late in his career.

If we compare plans, you can see some similarities to what Brady experienced in Tampa Bay. Spytek is like Licht, and Pete Carroll, who was hired by the Raiders on Friday, is similar to Arians. The next step is for Brady to find his own version of Tom Brady, or at least someone he trusts to help build a strong foundation for the team.

Russell Wilson might be an option for this role

This has become a real possibility due to Wilson’s history with Carroll from their time together with the Seattle Seahawks, as well as Wilson being a reliable veteran quarterback who can help guide the Raiders until they find their next long-term starter.

Wilson’s free-agent market will likely be limited, so he could be open to a short-term contract with performance-based incentives instead of a long-term, guaranteed deal.

Does this make Wilson the Raiders’ next quarterback? Not necessarily. But it gives them another option at the position while still keeping the door open to drafting a quarterback in April. At 36, with some of his physical abilities declining, Wilson’s challenge now is finding a team willing to offer him a starting role. If that means going to a team that is planning to develop a younger player behind him, Wilson might have to accept that.

Any team that brings Wilson on board will likely use him as a temporary solution rather than a long-term fix. If he were more than a stopgap, the Pittsburgh Steelers wouldn’t have let him go to free agency.

While he might not be the quarterback that Raiders fans are hoping for, he could provide the franchise with time if neither Cam Ward nor Shedeur Sanders are seen as worthy of trading assets for in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Another key decision for the Raiders will be Carroll’s choice of offensive coordinator, which will likely come from a group of familiar names. One of Wilson’s former offensive coordinators in Seattle, Darrell Bevell, might be considered.

Other candidates could include former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and Tampa Bay’s current quarterbacks coach, Thad Lewis, both of whom worked with Brady during his time in Tampa.

Bevell, a trusted assistant for Carroll, is now the quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins. Leftwich, however, has not coached in the NFL since he was fired by the Buccaneers after the 2022 season.

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He has not been the same quarterback who led the “Legion of Boom” in Seattle, and he’s also not the same player he was during his first year in Denver. While he didn’t have his top receiver in two of the four games, it doesn’t excuse his passing issues. Despite fans’ concerns heading into the playoffs, Wilson isn’t dwelling on past performance.

After the Week 18 loss, Wilson spoke to the press and was asked why the offense has struggled to start games strong. Wilson’s main focus is now on the playoffs, not what happened earlier in the season. Fans may not like his response, but he’s ready to focus on the Wild Card Round against either the Baltimore Ravens or Houston Texans.

“I think what I am going to say is, I don’t really want to talk about the past, just because I think we’ve been in that for a little bit here,” Wilson said. “I think the best thing we can do is get ready for the playoffs. It’s a new season; that’s the only thing that really matters anymore at this point.

The reality is obviously, yes, winning that game would have helped us in some form or fashion, but at the end of the day, when you go into the playoffs everybody is zero and zero, you got beat everybody anyway. That’s got to be our focus right now, it’s been a tough few weeks obviously.”

The Steelers’ offense struggled in the Week 18 game, managing just one successful drive, with seven of its eight first downs coming during a lone touchdown drive in the first half. Wilson continued to have trouble connecting with his receivers, holding onto the ball too long and failing to help the offense find any rhythm.

It seemed like the Steelers hadn’t learned from previous mistakes and continued to try strategies that clearly weren’t working. While Wilson’s mindset of not focusing on the past and moving forward is the mark of a true leader, his comments didn’t address the recent poor performance of the offense.

The Week 18 game was a great opportunity for Pittsburgh to get back on track, especially after their 44-point performance in the last meeting with the Bengals.

But the offense came out flat, not scoring until the second quarter and not putting up another point until late in the fourth quarter. This kind of performance likely won’t lead to a playoff win, and the streak of playoff losses for Mike Tomlin could continue for another year.

With the playoffs approaching, the Steelers need to fix their issues quickly. They might face another trip to Baltimore, a place they’d prefer to avoid for another week, but it’s out of their control due to the loss to the Bengals. This loss came down to players not doing their jobs properly, a problem that has been discussed for weeks.

Wilson Needs to Lead the Offense to Stop the Struggles
Wilson was brought in to help the Steelers win their seventh Lombardi, something that seemed possible after his early performances for Pittsburgh. Now, Wilson needs to find a way to get himself and the offense working together.

He struggled to connect with George Pickens during the Bengals game, which became a big topic for the Steelers that week. While Wilson’s goal remains winning the Super Bowl, most of the team would just like to focus on winning their Wild Card game. It’s do or die for the Steelers, and whatever changes are needed, they have to happen now.

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He wasn’t sure where he was in the play’s progression, and he figured he wasn’t one of the top options. He was positioned behind several wide receivers and running backs, all trying to catch the quarterback’s attention. But quarterback Russell Wilson, not liking what he saw, quickly changed direction and found Washington wide open for a big gain.

When asked if he was surprised to catch the ball, Washington admitted, “A little bit. I don’t know. I don’t know what was going on with the other people.”

Wilson, on the other hand, knew exactly what he was doing. The Steelers (9-3) have been performing well, partly due to the excellent play of their 36-year-old quarterback, who has been spreading the ball around to everyone.

Last week against the Bengals, Wilson completed passes to 10 different players, throwing for 414 yards. While star wide receiver George Pickens got his share, Wilson also connected with tight ends like Washington and MyCole Pruitt, as well as other players like wide receiver Ben Skowronek, who caught a 23-yard pass that set up one of Wilson’s three touchdown throws.

Skowronek shared, “You never know when it’s coming your way.”

With Wilson at the helm, the Steelers have had 14 players catch at least one pass this season, including Mike Williams, who made a game-winning 32-yard reception against Washington. Skowronek, who had spent part of the season on injured reserve, was unsure of his role when he was rehabbing. But now, with Wilson leading the offense, there is no set “line” of who gets the ball.

Wilson, a former minor league second baseman, compared the situation to baseball, saying, “You’ll never hit a home run if you don’t swing. And I really believe that you’ve got to swing, you’ve got to trust guys. You’ve got to be able to trust yourself.”

This attitude has helped Wilson find success after a rough period in Denver. The Steelers quickly signed him to a one-year contract, and Wilson quickly built chemistry with his new teammates. It began with private throwing sessions in San Diego, which later turned into team dinners and late nights reviewing game tapes with first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

This hard work has paid off on the field, with Wilson making crucial plays that showcase his developing connections with his teammates. For instance, tight end Pat Freiermuth was in the right spot for a 25-yard touchdown after Wilson scrambled.

And against the Bengals, Wilson made a last-minute audible that resulted in a 43-yard gain to Van Jefferson, setting up a game-winning field goal.

Spreading the ball around has helped with team morale. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith explained, “Morale is a big part,” and added that it’s important for players to feel involved and not like “decoys” during every play. When opponents have to defend multiple options, it gives the offense an advantage.

Skowronek believes that Wilson’s experience helps him lead the offense effectively: “Russ has seen every coverage. He’s ran all these concepts before. So he knows progressions like probably the back of his hand.”

Wilson also understands the importance of being unselfish and giving all players a chance to make plays. “I think that the best part about it is that we’re all super close,” Wilson said. “And I think that bond is really everything too, and just the understanding of each guy and the relationships that we have together, it’s fun. We’re having a great time.”

The Steelers are averaging 28.7 points per game since Wilson returned from a calf injury that kept him out for the first six games of the season. For the first time in a while, Pittsburgh doesn’t have to rely solely on its defense.

Head coach Mike Tomlin is still cautious about the idea of engaging in shootouts, given his background in defensive coaching. But it’s reassuring to know the Steelers can match other teams’ scores when needed.

Looking ahead, the Steelers may face a tough test against the Cleveland Browns, who put up more than 500 yards in a recent loss to Denver. If that kind of high-scoring game happens, Wilson is ready to take whatever steps necessary and involve whoever is needed, regardless of their experience or reputation.

“We got to love that part of it,” Wilson said. “We can’t fear it. We’ve got to want it. We’ve got to expect it. We’ve got to embrace it. We’ve got to challenge that. We’ve got to be in those moments and be locked into that moment. I think we do an extremely good job of that.”

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As reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, an unidentified NFC executive shared thoughts on the possibility of Wilson joining the Raiders, stating, “[The Raiders] need a vet, and they are one of Wilson’s original teams he wanted to go to. He’d stay in the [AFC West], West Coast, and [Wilson’s wife] Ciara can do a [Las Vegas] residency [as a live performer].”

Fowler pointed out that the Broncos are expected to part ways with Wilson in the offseason after sitting him out for the final two games of the 2023 regular season.

The decision to bench Wilson was influenced by financial considerations, as the Broncos would have faced significant guaranteed payments if he suffered an injury and couldn’t pass a physical during the offseason.

While this doesn’t necessarily indicate an inevitable separation between the Broncos and Wilson, it may pose challenges for the two parties to reconcile their differences.

The anonymous executive referred to a 2021 report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, stating that Wilson had compiled a list of preferred trade destinations, including the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, and the Raiders.

Although the Seattle Seahawks did not trade Wilson that offseason, he was eventually dealt to the Broncos before the 2022 season in exchange for a substantial package of draft picks and players.

Wilson’s first season in Denver was challenging, with the Broncos finishing 5-12, and he experienced the worst statistical performance of his career, completing 60.5 percent of his passes for 3,524 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

Subsequently, head coach Nathaniel Hackett was fired, and Sean Payton, the longtime New Orleans Saints head coach, took over.

The Broncos showed improvement, ending the season at 8-9, and Wilson performed more efficiently under Payton, completing 66.4 percent of his passes for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while also contributing 341 rushing yards and three scores.

The Raiders had their share of quarterback challenges in 2023, starting the season with veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who was later benched.

Interim head coach Antonio Pierce then turned to rookie fourth-round pick Aidan O’Connell, who performed well in his 10 starts, posting a 62.1 percent completion rate for 2,218 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, with a 5-5 record.

With Pierce now confirmed as the full-time head coach, having a clear answer at quarterback like Wilson entering the 2024 season could prove beneficial.

Wilson’s presence might elevate the Raiders from an 8-9 record to playoff contention, especially with offensive weapons like wide receivers Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, tight end Michael Mayer, and running backs Josh Jacobs or Zamir White in place.

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1. Immediate Release:

The Broncos could release Wilson before the fifth day of the new league year in mid-March, avoiding $37 million in additional guaranteed money. However, this would result in an $85 million dead cap charge in 2024, the largest in NFL history for a single player.

2. Post-June 1 Designation:

Opting for a post-June 1 designation on Wilson’s release would spread the dead money hits over two years—$35.4 million in 2024 and $49.6 million in 2025. This option becomes more likely considering the Broncos’ ample salary cap space in 2025.

3. Trade Option:

Trading Wilson is another option despite his no-trade clause. Recent unconventional trades have shown that acquiring additional draft compensation could sweeten the deal for the Broncos, making this a plausible but challenging route.

4. Reconciliation:

The least likely option currently is for Wilson and the Broncos to reconcile their differences and continue their relationship for a third season. Despite the benching, the Broncos have not finalized Wilson’s long-term future, leaving room for the possibility of his return.

As of now, the Broncos have not ruled out any option, and speculation about Wilson’s future persists. While Wilson has expressed his desire to stay with the Broncos, he acknowledges the uncertainty and remains open to the possibility of continuing his career elsewhere. The situation is dynamic, and the outcome will unfold as the Broncos navigate through the complexities of parting ways with a significant player like Wilson.

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Wilson said that the Broncos wanted to change a certain guarantee in his 2022 $242.6 million, five-year contract. If, on the fifth day of the new league year in March, he failed a physical, this guarantee would ensure an extra $37 million in 2025. Wilson was consulted because team sources indicated that they might like to reschedule this guarantee. After the Chiefs’ triumph, the quarterback claims that he was notified by team executives on Monday or Tuesday about the possibility of being benched.

Despite the looming threat of being benched, Wilson remained steadfast in preserving the injury guarantee, underscoring the physical nature of the game. Reportedly, the NFL and its players’ association intervened, enabling Wilson to maintain his starting position through subsequent victories against the Bills, Vikings, and Browns. However, with three losses in the past four games, including one to the New England Patriots, Payton officially benched Wilson.

Responding to inquiries about the decision, Payton emphasized that it was driven by the goal of winning and asserted that he was not privy to discussions related to the contract issue. He directed questions to general manager George Paton and owner/CEO Greg Penner, emphasizing that the decision was solely based on football reasons and any contract-related matters would be handled by the front office.

Expressing disappointment at the discussions and the benching threat, Wilson labeled it as a “low blow” following their efforts to reach a 3-5 record. Despite the challenges, Wilson affirmed his commitment to staying focused on his responsibilities.

The Broncos now face a pivotal offseason decision regarding Wilson’s future, with potential financial implications. With only six draft picks and no second-rounder in April, the team would incur substantial dead money charges if Wilson were to be cut. Although Wilson expressed hope for a continued future with the Broncos, he acknowledged the possibility of a different outcome.

As the Broncos cling to an outside chance at the postseason with a 7-8 record, they enter the upcoming divisional game against the Chargers without key receivers, including Courtland Sutton’s absence due to a concussion, and uncertainties surrounding Marvin Mims Jr. and Jerry Jeudy.

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Rapoport highlights a key financial motive behind this decision. Wilson has a $37 million injury guarantee for 2025, which becomes fully guaranteed in March. By sidelining Wilson for the last two weeks, the Broncos aim to ensure he avoids a catastrophic injury, providing them with financial flexibility in case they decide to part ways with the 35-year-old quarterback in 2024. While not confirmed, this late-season benching strongly suggests that the Broncos may conclude their association with Wilson after two seasons, especially considering his $39 million fully guaranteed salary in 2024.

Head coach Sean Payton confirmed the altered QB depth chart during his press conference, emphasizing the team’s primary goal of sparking offensive improvement. Payton acknowledges the economic aspects of the decision but underscores the importance of rejuvenating the offense.

This move draws parallels to the Las Vegas Raiders’ strategy last season when they benched Derek Carr in favor of Stidham, who is now taking over in Denver after joining the team this offseason.

Despite Wilson’s improved performance under Payton compared to his challenging first season in Denver in 2022, recent offensive struggles and a Week 15 incident in Detroit raised concerns about the quarterback’s future. Denver rebounded from a 1-5 start to the season with a five-game winning streak but stumbled in three of their last four games, diminishing their playoff chances.

In his 15 starts this year, Wilson completed 66.4% of his passes for 3,070 yards, the fewest in 12 seasons, with 26 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. Once seen as the missing piece to end Denver’s playoff drought, Wilson’s potential departure marks a significant disappointment.

With two games remaining and a 7-8 record, the Broncos face an 8% chance of making the postseason, according to Next Gen Stats. The decision to bench Wilson to prioritize his health signals that Payton is gearing up for evaluations and roster adjustments in preparation for the 2024 season. Stidham will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in the final two weeks, and the Broncos will rely on him to lead them to victories over the Chargers and Raiders while hoping for some external assistance.

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