Sean Payton answers whether Russell Wilson could return to Broncos

Aug 13, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) before the preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos signaled that they are planning to move on from Russell Wilson when they benched him with two games remaining in the season, but Sean Payton insists no decision has been made on the quarterback’s future.

At his season-ending press conference on Tuesday, Payton would not rule out Wilson returning as Denver’s starting quarterback in 2024. The coach said he conveyed a similar message when he spoke with Wilson this week.

#Broncos coach Sean Payton on Russell Wilson situation. #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/ddG65wN9vR

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“There’s so many things that go into a decision specific to the quarterback, which is significant obviously. It’s too early at all,” Payton said. “I spent half an hour with Russ yesterday and I told him, ‘Look, I don’t think it’s gonna be a long drawn-out process, but it hasn’t been decided relative to what our plans are.'”

Most people will find that difficult to believe. While the Broncos would have to take a massive financial hit to move on from Wilson, they probably would not have benched him unless they were fairly certain his days in Denver were numbered. Starting Jarrett Stidham over Wilson assured that the injury guarantee in Wilson’s contract will not trigger, even if Payton insisted it was a football decision.

Wilson openly said that the Broncos threatened to bench him if he did not make a significant change to his contract. The 35-year-old did say he hopes to remain in Denver, but all signs point toward Payton making a quarterback change this offseason.

Wilson finished with 3,070 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and 8 interceptions this season. The Broncos probably will not be able to trade him after he signed a massive extension a year ago, but it is possible — if not likely — that they will cut him.