Statistically, Russell Wilson has had a big bounce-back year in 2023.
After completing 60.5% of his passes for 3,524 yards with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions under Nathaniel Hackett last year, Wilson has completed 66.4% of his throws for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns against eight interceptions under new coach Sean Payton this year (with two games to go).
Despite his improved numbers, Wilson has an uncertain future in Denver. The Broncos have gone 7-8 with Wilson under center in 2023 and while the team’s struggles don’t all fall on the quarterback, he might not be the best candidate to fix those problems.
Wilson has been sacked 100 times in 30 games with Denver. No other QB has been sacked more often over the last two seasons. Granted, the offensive line shares in the blame for some of those sacks — especially last year — but holding the ball too long has been a problem for Wilson throughout his career.
Wilson is not a pocket passer. He often seems to struggle to see the middle of the field, and he has a tendency to scramble when his initial read isn’t immediately open, sometimes needlessly spinning into a sack when given good protection.
Wilson was asked about his future with the team following a 26-23 loss to the New England Patriots on Christmas Eve.
“I’m just worried about next week and playing great football,” Wilson said on Sunday. “I came here to win and win a championship for us and to find a way to do that. I obviously love being here with these guys, these teammates. I’m excited to keep playing ball and playing hard for us.”
Payton will likely bring in at least one new quarterback this offseason, either through the draft, free agency or trade, and Wilson’s contract complicates his future. If Denver could bring Wilson back for one year in a veteran-mentor role, Payton might consider it. Unfortunately, if the Broncos bring the quarterback back in 2024, it will be a two-year commitment.
Wilson has $39 million guaranteed in 2024 whether he’s on the team or not. If he’s still in Denver on March 17, Wilson’s contract will trigger an additional $37 million guaranteed for the 2025 season. So the Broncos have until mid-March to decide if they’re going to cut Wilson or commit to paying him $76 million over the next two seasons.
Given Payton’s visible frustrations with Wilson this season, it’s hard to imagine the coach running it back with the QB for two more seasons.
Two years after signing a five-year, $242.58 million contract, Wilson might be on the verge of playing his final two games in Denver. The Broncos will close out the regular season against the Chargers and Raiders. Those games might be the last times we see Wilson wearing an orange and blue uniform.
