The Denver Broncos are going to look different in 2023 under head coach Sean Payton. Ownership is hoping he can help turn things around right away after a disastrous 2022 season under Nathaniel Hackett as head coach.
The biggest point of emphasis for Payton will be figuring out what happened with Russell Wilson. Denver acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks for a trade package that included five draft picks and three players. Thus far, that deal has been a major loss for the Broncos.
In his first season in the Mile High City, Wilson had the worst statistical season of his career. He is entering what could be a do-or-die 2023. If he doesn’t turn things around, the Broncos will turn over every stone in an attempt to move on from him.
In the scenario that he is unable to get things back on track, it would benefit the Broncos by having a capable backup behind him. Last season it was Brett Rypien that was Wilson’s backup and he was thrust into action four times, starting twice.
Looking for a little more juice behind Wilson, the Broncos could be an intriguing landing spot for Jameis Winston. After signing Derek Carr to a massive contract last weekend, the New Orleans Saints are likely to move on from Winston to open up a little more cap space. Once he clears waivers and hits free agency, Denver could be an ideal landing spot for him.
Unless he can land a job that enables him to compete for a starting spot in 2023, reuniting with Payton makes a lot of sense. Winston had a great start to the 2021 season before injuring his knee under Payton’s tutelage.
2022 was nowhere near as productive for Winston, who was injured again after three games. He never got a chance to regain the starting job as he was essentially benched for Andy Dalton even when he was healthy enough to play.
Signing with the Broncos could be similar to when Winston joined the Saints in 2020. Winston sat behind Drew Brees that season before starting in 2021. It could be similar in Denver, sitting behind Wilson for one season and possibly taking over as the starter should the team move on next year.
