NFL GM: Broncos' Sean Payton Would Trade Russell Wilson 'Right Now' If He Had Market

There is reportedly some belief within the NFL that Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton would trade quarterback Russell Wilson if he had the opportunity to do so.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, an NFL general manager told Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post the following regarding Payton: "He'd trade the quarterback right now if there was a market for him."

In his first season as head coach of the Broncos, Payton is off to a miserable start, posting a record of just 2-5.

Prior to Payton's arrival, the Broncos traded for Wilson last year, sending two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, tight end Noah Fant, quarterback Drew Lock and defensive lineman Shelby Harris to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for the future Hall of Famer.

Denver subsequently signed Wilson to a five-year, $242.5 million contract extension through 2028 as well.

Wilson's first year in Denver couldn't have gone much worse, as he struggled under head coach Nathaniel Hackett, going 4-11 as a starter and completing 60.5 percent of his passes for 3,524 yards, a career-low 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Hackett was the scapegoat for the Broncos' struggles, and after his firing, Denver traded a 2023 first-round pick and 2024 second-round pick to the New Orleans Saints for Payton and a 2024 third-round pick before hiring him as the franchise's new head coach.

Payton won a Super Bowl in New Orleans and was credited with guiding quarterback Drew Brees to a Hall of Fame career, so the hope in Denver was that he would be able to get Wilson back on track.

Wilson's numbers this season are solid, as he is completing 66.4 percent of his passes for 1,499 yards, 13 touchdowns and four picks, but it hasn't translated to many wins.

While is a nine-time Pro Bowler, one-time Super Bowl champion and an almost surefire future Hall of Famer, it would likely be nearly impossible to trade the 34-year-old veteran at this point due to his massive contract.

Although a Wilson trade almost certainly won't happen, La Canfora named wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton, and safety Justin Simmons as Broncos players who could be on the move, and noted he would be "shocked" if one of Jeudy or Sutton is not dealt.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported last week that while the Broncos are not eyeing a "fire sale" at the deadline, they will listen to offers for anyone on the roster.

Russini also reported that Payton will have a major hand in any move that is made since Broncos owner Greg Penner is committed to the idea of Payton being the one to turn the franchise around.

While brighter days could be ahead for the Broncos, they seem highly unlikely to contend for a playoff spot in 2023, so it is widely expected that they will be sellers leading up to the deadline.