Russell Wilson has had potentially one of the worst debut seasons in NFL history. Wilson went on to force his way out of the Seattle Seahawks, eventually landing with the Denver Broncos. Since then, Broncos fans have had a ton of expectations of the Super Bowl winner. While Wilson could not stay true to those expectations for the 2022 season, the upcoming 2023 season could be a whole new picture.

Wilson’s capabilities hit rock bottom during the 2022 season, passing for career-lows in completion percentage (60.0) and touchdowns (16) and his 84.4 QB rating was also a career low. Wilson revamping his stats in the 2023 season would be his best option, as several within the league have already started questioning his hefty contract.

Russell Wilson is on a mission to prove his worth

Russell Wilson landed himself a five-year contract extension worth $245 million with the Broncos. According to the contract, $165 million is guaranteed, including $124 million at signing. Wilson also enjoys guarantees for 2022, 2023, and 2024 salaries, while his remaining on the roster on the 5th day of the 2024 league year will guarantee his 2025 season salary as well.

Wilson was brought in to fill some big shoes, as the Broncos have been struggling since Hall of Famer Peyton Manning retired after a Super Bowl-winning 2015 season. Wilson still had two whole years left on his Seattle deal at the time, but ended up strong-arming his way to Denver.

Wilson’s move has since then not worked out as expected, but Russell Wilson is hellbent on returning to his former glory. Earlier he took to Instagram to share a rather cryptic message, “It doesn’t matter who we are, what matters is our plan.”

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The Denver Broncos have since handed over their reigns to head coach Sean Payton. Payton, renowned for his offensive genius, established led the Saints to eight straight playoff berths, and six NFC South titles, while eventually, in 2009 capturing the franchise’s first World Championship.

The Broncos have similar expectations from the Payton-Russell tandem, and Wilson certainly intends on redeeming himself.

Wilson underwent surgery

As it turns out, Wilson was not completely fit during the 2022 season. Reports of Wilson undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee have been reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.

“QB Russell Wilson had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee following 2022, a procedure to fix an issue that had nagged him for a few seasons. He is back working out and throwing after the minor scope and should be fine for OTAs. He’ll be at full health for 2023.”

Since undergoing the surgery, Wilson seems to be feeling back to his former self and intends on reminding the world of his former self.

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