Reporter hints Broncos could move on from Russell Wilson despite QB's improved play

Even though Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson continues to improve after a disastrous 2022 season, some believe Denver's still poised to move on from him.

"We've established over the past few weeks why, even if Wilson continues to play well overall through the second half of the season, there's an action point coming with him sooner rather than later," wrote Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post.  

This season, Wilson has completed 66.1 percent of his passes for 1,613 yards, 16 TDs and four interceptions. However, the Broncos are 3-5, and the New York Times simulator notes they only have a four percent chance to make the playoffs.

Barring an improbable postseason push in the second half of the season, Denver must rebuild. Wilson's contract impedes that process. The 34-year-old is on a seven-year, $242.5M deal. If he's on the roster on the fifth league day of 2024, his 2025 base salary ($37M) becomes fully guaranteed.  

Tankathon projects Denver will have the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, within range to select a QB. This year's class is deep at the most important position. Talented prospects, such as Southern Cal's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye and Washington's Michael Penix Jr., head the list.

Broncos general manager George Paton seems to be mulling taking a QB in the draft. On Saturday, he scouted Williams and Penix Jr., per ESPN college football reporter Pete Thamel. Also, Broncos representatives reportedly watched Maye in October.  

To be fair to Wilson, not all of the team's problems fall on him. The Broncos defense has regressed, as it's tied for second to last in the NFL in points allowed (28.3). Still, it's unclear if the former Pro Bowler is an elite player anymore. He must do more to show the organization it shouldn't move on.