Broncos' Sean Payton Says Russell Wilson's Future Will Be Decided 'Sooner than Later'

The Denver Broncos decision on the future of quarterback Russell Wilson will come "sooner than later," head coach Sean Payton said during an interview with Adam Schein of Mad Dog Sports Radio on Friday.

"We look closely at where the pieces are," Payton said. "Here are the 'musts, needs and wants' and when you asked the question about Russ, that factors in. Is it possible for us to do 'this, this and this' or not? I think that decision will be sooner than later. He'll know sooner than later."

In his first season with the Broncos, Payton led the team to an 8-9 record, benching Wilson in the final two games of the regular season. Jarrett Stidham was the quarterback in the final two games—one win and one loss—throwing for 496 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

The Broncos have a decision to make at quarterback now. If Denver decides to cut Wilson, it would be responsible for $85 million in dead money. If the Broncos keep Wilson, they will owe him a guaranteed $37 million salary for 2025 if he is still on the roster on March 17.

This season, Wilson threw for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. While he couldn't lead the Broncos into the postseason, he did lead them on a five-game win streak after starting the year 1-5, giving Denver a real chance at sneaking into the playoffs.

But Denver still has to make a decision, and it has to make it soon. The Broncos could cut Wilson and draft a quarterback with the No. 12 pick. They could also look to another quarterback on the roster to take over as the starter, like Stidham. Of course, Denver could stick with the veteran Wilson and see if his third season with the Broncos yields better results.