Ex-NFL GM Thinks Russell Wilson Will Get Benched This Season

The Denver quarterback is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2022.

Entering the 2023 season, Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson is looking for a bounce back season following a disappointing first year in Denver. The quarterback is paired with new head coach Sean Payton, as the Broncos hope the two can work some magic.

However, one former NFL general manager thinks Payton could make an example out of Wilson. On Get Up, ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum went as far as to make a bold statement about whether Wilson will play the entire season.

“I would be shocked if Russell Wilson was the starter for 17 games this season,” he said.

Tannenbaum, who spent time as a major front office executive for both the Jets and Dolphins, thinks Payton’s top focus this year will be establishing a culture in Denver. Therefore, the best way to set the standard may be to be hard on Wilson.

“The conversations that Sean Payton is having with ownership is, ‘Year 1 is about culture and accountability.’ He’s going to see Russell Wilson as an opportunity to hold players accountable,” Tannenbaum said. “If Russell Wilson has the smallest bump in the road, he will be benched, and Sean’s going to look at it as an opportunity to set the culture and the standard moving forward.”

"I would be shocked if Russell Wilson was the starter for 17 games this season. ... If Russell Wilson has the smallest bump in the road, he will be benched."

—@RealTannenbaum pic.twitter.com/F75rMMJias

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) August 24, 2023

So far this year, Payton has defended Wilson, claiming that last year’s struggles were more due to the coaching staff than the players. However, if Wilson does not show improvement after a coaching change, Payton may not have a choice other than to bench him.