“I’m Not Involved”: Sean Payton Puts Russell Wilson Fiasco’s Onus on Broncos Ownership

Russell Wilson joined the Denver Broncos with a hefty five-year, $242.6-million contract in 2022. Reports suggest that the Broncos “threatened” Wilson about potential benching unless he waived his injury guarantees. Following this, coach Sean Payton confirmed Wilson’s benching and the start of Jarrett Stidham against the Chargers on Sunday.

With slim playoff chances after recent losses, the Broncos (7-8) will wrap up the season against the Las Vegas Raiders after facing the Chargers. As Payton tried to play his last card in the form of Stidham, he took a U-turn in admitting Wilson’s recent benching. In a recent media interaction, he refrained from Wilson’s situation talks and blamed the ownership.

What does Sean Payton know?

On Friday, the Broncos’ head coach spoke at the team’s press conference on his preparation and Russell Wilson. He mentioned he was “not privy” to discussions earlier this season between the front office and Wilson regarding his contract. Payton said, “I’m handling the football and I know this. The number one reason for taking this job for me was ownership and winning.”

He further acknowledged his awareness of what the ownership wants. Payton continued, “I’m not involved in any of that. I mean certainly I’m involved in a lot but… my focus has been on winning… I know how this has been written but this decision strictly what I believe gives us a chance to win number eight and now it’s it’s a hard decision but there’s no other for me where I’m at in my career that’s all I’m interested in is getting another win.“

Read more: “A Great Football Mind”: Pat McAfee Marvels at Sean Payton Amidst Denver Broncos’ QB Fiasco

Furthermore, the coach commended Wilson for handling the situation well and maintaining a professional approach.

Interestingly, Payton said he has no insight into Russell Wilson’s contract and the talks surrounding him. Earlier, he was the one who said that he was involved in these.

Sean Payton ‘contradicts’ himself!

After Russell Wilson was benched, coach Sean Payton and the team faced continuous backlash from sports analysts and Wilson’s fans. Payton then appeared in an interview on Wednesday after practice to address the media on the reports.

He said, “Most of you know we’ve made a change at quarterback. I understand all the speculation and everything that surrounds a move like that… we’re desperately trying to win… and it’s a decision I’m making—is to get a spark offensively.”

This suggests that Payton knew everything, but still, in the recent presser, he put all on the organization instead of focusing on the team’s next win over the Chargers on Sunday, December 31, at Empower Field at Mile High.

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