‘Toxic’ Sean Payton Blamed for Making Things Difficult for Russell Wilson as Analyst Questions Broncos HC’s Odd Decisions

Russell Wilson’s two-year era with the Denver Broncos met a disastrous conclusion this past season. The unfortunate incident ended with a whimper after the team’s head coach, Sean Payton, benched the franchise-tagged $242.6 million quarterback.

However, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently took a shot at Payton for under-delivering his part while working on establishing a healthy relationship with the quarterback. While making an appearance on ‘The Joe Starkey Show’, the analyst made his reservations clear on the Russell-Payton debacle and criticized the HC for targeting Wilson. “One thing that always struck a cord with me about Russell Wilson’s tenure in Denver was Sean Payton went out of his way to make things difficult with their relationship,” he spoke.

He also bashed Payton for allegedly sidelining the veteran quarterback at a time when the Broncos were holding their own in the postseason race. Fittipaldo later reiterated his stance while stressing the 60-year-old’s unlikely on-field “body language” towards Wilson. “Really putting a Super Bowl-winning veteran quarterback in places that were just odd for me to see him. The way he talked about him in the media. His body language in games, the yelling on the sidelines. You don’t see that every day,” added Ray Fittipaldo.

Despite much hue and cry surrounding the series of events that led to the downfall of Payton and Wilson’s relationship, the quarterback was eventually let go and has since joined the ranks of a new team. Furthermore, the HC’s decision came bearing financial ramifications for the franchise, notably incurring an all-time NFL record dead cap for two seasons, hitting the ballpark of $85 million.

However, Payton’s response to the disaster was extremely blunt and candid. The 60-year-old coach notably stated that he was content with his decision and held no regrets.

Sean Payton ended the Russell Wilson era in Denver

The Denver Broncos brought in Russell Wilson via a massive trade to enhance their on-field prominence. However, this backfired almost immediately after the quarterback’s performance took a dip under the guidance of coach Nathaniel Hackett.

Later, to get ahead of the situation, the team brought Sean Payton out of retirement to salvage the QB. This move initially upped their morale and paid the dues but to much distress, it was later rumored that the HC never approved of Wilson as his quarterback in the first place. All these events eventually led to the team benching the 35-year-old to prevent infringing an injury clause in the QB’s contract.

Wilson now holds his quarterback rank with the Pittsburgh Steelers on vet minimum contract. Additionally, he also stands to mint $85 million from the Broncos for two upcoming seasons. Nevertheless, it is certain that the franchise will have to resurrect its team with a limited budget cap which can potentially prove worrisome for Payton.