Broncos-Russ Wilson: The TL;DR Version -- (edited)
Posted by
budice
Dec 28 '23, 14:28
|
Author:Josina Anderson
Today I'm told talks to restructure Wilson’s deal with a specific proposition started during the Bye Week on October 31st. Per a source with direct knowledge they claim, Broncos general manager George Paton called Wilson’s agent saying if Wilson didn’t defer the injury guarantee in his contract they’d bench Wilson and make him inactive for the remaining 9 games of the season. According to this source with direct knowledge, the day after Denver defeated Kansas City 24-9, Paton allegedly cited during a documented call his request was not for Wilson’s skill and performance when questioned on that specific point multiple times. Thereafter, the same source says Paton reiterated said perceived threat again a couple of days later. I’m told this request spurred additional negotiations over Wilson’s deal and prompted Wilson’s representation to get the NFLPA involved. Thereafter, this source with direct knowledge says the NFLPA wrote a letter expressing its concerns to the Denver Broncos copying relevant parties and also that the Union consulted the NFL Management Council. Thereafter, the source with direct knowledge says Wilson’s camp received a letter from the team stating that if Wilson refused to defer said injury guarantee that the organization would respect the quarterback’s decision; but it added that future decisions regarding the extent of Wilson’s play would be deferred to Sean Payton. In short, the source with direct knowledge emphasizes in their viewpoint talks with Broncos’ brass regarding modifications in Wilson’s contract were not amicable and problematic with respect to their understanding of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Wilson’s player contract and New York law. The Denver Broncos do not share the perspective of the above source. As for Russell Wilson, the #Broncos quarterback recently tweeted “God’s got me. Looking forward to what’s next.”
======================
On the other side, perspective regarding QB Russell Wilson entail two separate issues:
1.) A source with direct knowledge of the situation acknowledges Wilson was approached during the Bye Week back in late October (with a 3-5 record) to initiate talks about potential contractual adjustments to create a path forward.
Regarding recent reports on these discussions, the team vehemently says no threats were made to Wilson’s status as a consequence of not restructuring, whilst underlining the organization’s blue-chip reputation and long-standing history in the business. I’m told the team’s proposition didn’t work out, they dropped it & more importantly Wilson went on to still start the next seven games after the break (with the same injury risk).
2.) Separately, after the team’s ensuing 5-game win streak, the Broncos went 1-3 in the month of December. During this window the offense ranks 20th in PPG and 25th in both YPG and 3rd-down percentage. In this transition, Wilson went from a 109.5 passer-rating during the 5-game win streak to 84.5 in December—with everyone witnessing emotions coming from the seams on the sidelines in Detroit. Head coach Sean Payton publicly voiced his concerns in the midst of this slide, and subsequently made a move at the quarterback position. I’m told the organization feels its Payton’s prerogative to generate a ‘spark’ by any means he deems necessary to get back on a winning track. Wilson is still expected to physically practice and be ready to come in games in a backup role (similar to what occurred to other quarterbacks Wednesday around the league as well). While protective levers are present in Wilson’s contract, similar to many deals around the NFL, the source with direct knowledge says the team remains adamant the switch on the field began with a football decision, in its view.
###
|