Sean Payton, the head coach of the Denver Broncos, seems to have forgotten a crucial detail in his recent statements about quarterback Russell Wilson. In a recent interview, Payton seemed to suggest that Wilson was no longer on the Broncos’ roster, when in fact, he is still very much a part of the team.
It’s understandable that Payton might want to distance himself from Wilson, given the quarterback’s recent struggles on the field. Wilson has faced criticism for his performance this season, with some fans and analysts questioning whether he is still the same player he once was. However, that doesn’t change the fact that Wilson is still under contract with the Broncos, and there is nothing Payton can say or do to change that.
The main issue at hand is the massive dead salary cap hit that the Broncos would incur if they were to part ways with Wilson. At $85 million, this dead money would account for a significant portion of the team’s salary cap space for the 2024 season. With the salary cap set to be $255.4 million, that $85 million in dead money would eat up a third of the Broncos’ available funds, severely limiting their ability to make other moves in free agency.
It’s clear that Payton is frustrated with Wilson’s performance, and he may be feeling the pressure to make a change at the quarterback position. However, it’s important for him to remember that Wilson is still under contract, and the financial implications of cutting him would be significant. Payton will need to find a way to work with Wilson and help him improve his play, rather than simply wishing him away.
In the end, Payton’s comments about Wilson may have been a bit premature. While it’s understandable that he wants to see better results on the field, he will need to find a way to make it work with the quarterback he has. Wilson is still a talented player with the potential to turn things around, and it will be up to Payton to help him do so.
