Pat McAfee just can’t help himself, can he? The man’s stirring up the pot again, this time making some serious claims about Russell Wilson and Arthur Smith’s relationship. Naturally, it got people talking. And all we can say is Mike Tomlin wasn’t having any of it

Tomlin wasn’t about to let that narrative slide. He swiftly shut down the allegations made by McAfee. He confirmed that Wilson and Smith actually had a good working relationship, despite what was implied. “We’re not paid by the hour in this business,” Tomlin said, affirming that Wilson and Smith’s dynamic was productive and that their work together was more than solid. In fact, Tomlin emphasized that “Two is a pattern,” referencing how the pair had consistently worked well together.

McAfee’s claim about Wilson and Smith having a fallout seemed to come from some frustration and misinterpretation, but here’s the thing—he was basically pulling from Kaboly’s report, which made it clear the rumors were “never substantiated.” The whole situation wasn’t about personal beef; it was more about the team’s vibe and how things were playing out. McAfee took those unconfirmed whispers and ran with them, turning up the drama, especially when Tomlin had to step in and shut it down, saying there were no actual issues.

In the end, this whole situation just shows how fast things can spiral when rumors start. Pat McAfee might’ve gotten some clicks using the Steelers. But Tomlin shut that down like a pro, letting us know that the whole “Wilson and Smith don’t get along” thing was pure fiction. As Tomlin put it, “Arthur Smith and Russell Wilson had a good working relationship.” Period.

But it’s probably the Broncos HC who isn’t at all satisfied with Wilson. And I mean, who would be after having him carve out that big of a financial debt?

Payton calls out last year’s struggles: ‘That was brutal’

Sean Payton wasn’t holding back when he reflected on last year’s Broncos season. Straight-up said, “At this time a year ago, we’re a lot closer than we were at this time of year ago. That was misery, sorrow, drudgery—give me some other adjectives there, just duh, that was brutal. Let’s say that.” And honestly? It was brutal. The Broncos finished 8-9 and were nowhere near the playoffs. It was like a trainwreck you couldn’t stop watching.

By the end of the 2023 season, Wilson had been benched by the Broncos and eventually released, even with a hefty $85 million dead salary cap hit. But he wasn’t down for long—he quickly landed with the Steelers on a one-year, veteran minimum deal. And, well, even took them to the Wild Card round. Only to have a 5-game losing streak to end the 2024 season.

But for the Broncos, Bo Nix came in at QB, and boom, they flipped the script. 10-7, playoff-bound, and suddenly looking like a contender. Nix threw for over 4,000 yards. The offense finally clicked, thus ending their postseason dry spell.

As for Wilson? Well, let’s hope 2025 goes well for him.