Seahawks Ex K.J. Wright Questions Russell Wilson-Sean Payton Duo: 'Can Russ Handle?'

With Sean Payton now leading the way in Denver, former Seattle Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright voiced his doubts on his fit with Russell Wilson.

Judging based solely on the 2022 season, the Seattle Seahawks made out like bandits in their trade of quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. While Geno Smith put together an MVP caliber season en route to a playoff berth, Wilson struggled and Denver missed the playoffs. 

Of course, you cannot judge the trade on one season alone - especially with the Broncos bringing in coach Sean Payton this offseason to lead the team. However, even with Payton taking over as head coach, not everyone is sold.

That includes Wilson's former Seahawk teammate K.J. Wright, who questioned the ability for the quarterback and Payton to work as a duo on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" on Thursday.

"This is going to be a sight to see," Wright said. "Because for 10 years Coach Carroll did a good job of, 'I'm not going to say protecting Russ,' but he shielded him like 'Hey, the defense is going to be the lead dog, you're going to hand the ball off to Marshawn Lynch.'"

While there is no way of telling just how accurate Wright's statement is, he went on to mention how Payton brings a much different approach to the table. 

"I heard how he runs his meetings," Wright said. "After a loss if you played bad, Sean Payton will let you know loud and clear how he feels about you. That's the question. Can Russ handle the critique, the harshness, the 'Hey, you have to better and I'm calling you out in front of the entire football team?' I'm sure Nathaniel Hackett wasn't a Sean Payton-type of personality."

It isn't hard to see why Seahawks fans are so interested in the outcome of the 2023 season for Denver. They love to see Wilson struggle in his new home - and if Wright's takes are accurate, there is no telling how the Broncos will look in their first year under Payton.

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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