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Terry Bradshaw reveals Sean Payton accepted Broncos job despite Russell Wilson

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•02/07/23•

ChandlerVessels

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Russell Wilson (Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

New Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton apparently has concerns about quarterback Russell Wilson. At least that’s what Terry Bradshaw, whom Payton worked with as an analyst at FOX Sports this past year, told New York columnist Tom Rock on Tuesday.

“Sat with Terry Bradshaw for a bit. Interesting comments on Sean Payton, his co-worker for the past year at FOX,” Rock tweeted. “Said Payton didn’t want to go to Arizona bc of the QB. Also said he didn’t want to go to Denver bc of the QB! Ultimately he took that job in spite of Russ.”

Payton was announced as the Denver coach last week, making his return to the NFL one season after he retired as coach of the New Orleans Saints. The Saints still had Payton under contract, so the Broncos gave up their 2023 first round pick as well as a 2024 second round pick to get him.

Wilson arrived in Denver this past offseason via trade after spending the first 10 years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks. With nine Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl victory across that span, he entered the year with high expectations on his new team. Unfortunately, it didn’t go the way Broncos fans hoped.

What followed was one of the worst seasons of Wilson’s career as he finished with new lows in both completion percentage (60.5%) and passing touchdowns (16). Despite many touting Denver as a potential postseason contender, the Broncos finished with a 5-12 record.

Further complicating things is the the fact that Wilson signed a five-year contract extension worth $245 million just before the start of the 2022 season. That keeps him with the team through 2028, which could become an issue if his play doesn’t improve.

Still, the Broncos’ willingness to give up high-round draft picks to bring in Payton suggests they are committed to Wilson as their quarterback. It’s possible that the arrival of Sean Payton could have a positive impact on Russell Wilson.

Payton coached one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks in Drew Brees during his time in New Orleans. The pair won a Super Bowl together during the 2009 season.