ORLANDO, Fla. — The last time Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton addressed the public, he hadn’t completely reached a decision on whether to keep, or release, quarterback Russell Wilson.
That was four weeks ago. It seems like an entire offseason ago.
Wilson is not only long gone, he has used his social media accounts to let the football world know his loyalty now belongs to the Steelers and the city of Pittsburgh.
The Broncos have yet to replace Wilson from the free agent or trade markets, perhaps for three reasons. One, they already have a decent backup who’s on the starter bubble in Jarrett Stidham. Two, the NFL Draft, of which the Broncos’ have the No. 12 overall draft pick, doesn’t start until April 25. And three, the free-agent and trade markets offered such slim pickings, the Broncos decided none were worth getting into a bidding war.
Payton will speak again here Monday morning as part of the NFL owners meetings’ AFC head coaches breakfast at the Palazzo Ballroom of the JW Marriott. It will be Payton’s 17th such coaches breakfast media session, second with the AFC representing the Broncos. Among the subjects he may be asked to address:
- Why the ultimate decision to release Russ?
- Is Stidham and the first round of the draft the Broncos’ plan at quarterback?
- The team’s approach to free agency was far less inspiring than usual. Was the Wilson $53 million dead-cap hit the primary reason?
- Why release star safety Justin Simmons?
- Why trade away Jerry Jeudy and is Marvin Mims Jr. his replacement?
- There were two of your own free agents, Wil Lutz and Justin Strnad, who had verbal agreements with other teams only to change their minds and stay put. Adam Trautman was also close to leaving before you stepped in. Were you a bit tardy in submitting your final offer, or was this your power of persuasion?
- Let’s talk about the four new guys, Brandon Jones, Malcolm Roach, Cody Barton and Will Peart.
- Replacements for Lloyd Cushenberry III? Josey Jewell?
- What do you see in J.J. McCarthy? Bo Nix? Michael Penix Jr.?
- Would you admit this a rebuilding year?
There are more. A receiving tight end and running back figure to be priorities in the draft. Young players need to step up like Riley Moss, Drew Sanders, Elijah Garcia, Mims, Alex Forsyth, Luke Wattenberg, Alex Palczewski and Damarri Mathis. Will be there more from Jaleel McLaughlin?
Broncos owner Greg Penner will also be available for a media session.
> Watch 9NEWS original shows, live Colorado news and weather updates, daily forecasts, and sports coverage for free on the 9NEWS+ app on Roku and Fire TV.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Sports
9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features.
To download 9NEWS+ on Roku search for KUSA.
To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS.
