Russell Wilson’s career stats make for interesting reading but Broncos need Sean Payton's intervention for $245 million gamble to pay off
The Denver Broncos made one of the biggest blockbuster trades in NFL history when they acquired Russell Wilson on March 16, 2022.
The deal sent shockwaves through the NFL as Denver gave up two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, and Drew Lock, Shelby Harris, and Noah Fant for Wilson and a fourth-round pick.
With Russell Wilson arriving in Denver, they acquired a quarterback who is a Super-Bowl champion, a nine-time Pro Bowler, Walter Payton Man of the Year, and an All-Pro quarterback.
The full deal:
#Broncos get: Russell Wilson and a fourth-rounder.
#Seahawks get: 2 first-rounders and 2 second-rounders, a fifth-rounder, Drew Lock, Shelby Harris and Noah Fant.
Upon arriving in Denver, they awarded the veteran quarterback with a five-year, $245 million contract, while still having two years remaining on his current deal.
With all the assets they gave up and with how much they paid him before the season began, Denver expected Wilson to carry them to the playoffs with a potential Super Bowl run. He's done anything but that this season.
The Broncos are in last place in the AFC West with a record of 3-10. Wilson is 3-9 as the starter this season. They are under first-year head coach Nanthaniel Hackett and have struggled as a team in nearly every game.
Former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has stated that he would like to return to coaching sooner rather than later.
Theoretically, if the Broncos decided to move on from Hackett after one struggling season, they could go after the former Super Bowl-winning coach, who has had a lot of success with quarterback Drew Brees in his career.
Russell Wilson's career stats
As of Week 14, 2022, Russell's Wilson's career stats are 5,129 passing attempts, 3,317 completions, which is 64.7%. He has thrown for 303 touchdowns to 93 interceptions with 39,846 yards. He has a passer rating of 100.5, and on the ground he has 4,904 yards and 24 touchdowns. These stats do not include the playoffs.
In the playoffs, Russell Wilson has attempted 451 passes while completing 275 for a 61% completion percentage. He's thrown for 3,786 yards, 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and has a passer rating of 95.3. Additionally, he has 83 carries for 527 yards and three rushing touchdowns.
In 12 games this season with the Broncos, Russell Wilson is having his worst season. He has 12 total touchdowns (11 passing, one rushing), six interceptions, and 2,805 yards. He currently has a career-low in completion percentage (60.4) and passer rating (85.1.)
It's going to take major changes for the Broncos and Wilson to make a turnaround next season, and it could start with going after a guy like Payton.