Denver Broncos owner Greg Penner has declared that Russell Wilson - the main who the team gave up one of the biggest draft hauls in the history of NFL trades for - is 'fixable' after a disastrous season, but some analysts do not agree.
The Broncos acquired Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks after he had performed as a top 10 quarterback through his 10 seasons in the Pacific North West, in the hopes that he could push Denver over the line and into championship contention. The Broncos already had an impressive roster, but did give up a number of assets to trade for the quarterback.
At the time, the Broncos were highly-praised for the trade, with the Seahawks ridiculed with many believing that they should have held out for more. But now, it looks to be one of the more lopsided trades in NFL history, with Wilson performing as one of the worst quarterbacks in the league. Wilson has thrown just 12 touchdowns this season with nine interceptions, leading the lowest-scoring offense in the league.
And after an embarrassing defeat to the Los Angeles Rams on Christmas Day, the Broncos hired first-year head-coach Nathaniel Hackett. When speaking to the media on the decision, Penner was asked if he believes Wilson is 'fixable' stating that he does believe so and stated that the 34-year-old must play better.
But Broncos legend Shannon Sharpe does not agree. Speaking on his UNDISPUTED show, he said: "This is not about me or him. I played for two organisations and I was respected by both of them. When I say something about the Denver Broncos, you can take it to the bank.
"Russell Wilson is not respected by either organisation. Russell Wilson is not liked because he hasn't earned the money he has been given. He has been given an office in the building in Denver, he sets himself apart from the team and he thinks he is better than they are. That is factual. He is not fixable.
"How many times have you seen so many teammates speak out against a quarterback? With that being said, his fame, his money, is more important than winning football games. Football is secondary to him. There are other things that are more important to him. He doesn't have the hunger, nor the athleticism. He cannot play off-script."
Wilson signed a five-year extension after the Broncos traded for him, with so much guaranteed money in that the team are simply unable to move on from him until at least 2025.
The Broncos traded a huge haul to the Seahawks, including two first round picks, two second picks and a fifth (who turned out to be Charles Cross, Kenneth Walker and Tariq Woolen) along with Noah Fant, Shelby Harris and Drew Lock.
What's more, Wilson's former back-up in Seattle, Geno Smith, has hugely outperformed Wilson, and may end up being the starting quarterback for the Seahawks for the foreseeable future, as he defeated the Broncos and Wilson earlier this season.
