There have been a lot of discussions this offseason about how important the 2023 season is for Denver Broncos starting quarterback Russell Wilson. After a disastrous 2022 campaign, which was the least productive of his career, he has to bounce back.

There is some optimism that new head coach Sean Payton will be able to make that happen. Payton is known for his work on the offensive side of the ball and could be just what Russell Wilson needs to get back on track.

After making the Pro Bowl nine out of 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson looked lost in his first season at the helm with the Broncos. The circumstances surrounding him certainly played a part as he battled injuries throughout the season. Nathaniel Hackett was also in over his head as a head coach.

Playing in a third offensive system in as many seasons certainly isn’t ideal, but nothing worked last season for the Broncos. So, this is a change that will likely be accepted with open arms by Russell Wilson. It is something he has to buy into, or his career could be going down the tubes. 

That is something former NFL star Richard Sherman issued a warning about on a recent episode of UNDISPUTED on FS1. He believes that his former teammate’s legacy is on the line this season.

Sherman makes some good points, saying that Russell Wilson’s career can be broken up into different eras. In the early part of his career, he could rely on the strength of his defense and excellent supporting cast.

When the responsibility was placed on his shoulders offensively, he produced some impressive numbers but the team didn’t find as much success. The first season in Denver was a disaster, but there is a glimmer of hope heading into 2023.

He has a chance to add another positive chapter to his legacy if he can turn around a Broncos team that is already missing key pieces. But, if another disastrous season occurs, it will tarnish the legacy Russell Wilson has built.