WATCH: ‘Blunt’ Sean Payton has a ‘1-word’ response to whether letting Russell Wilson go was a difficult decision

Payton denied facing any financial difficulty following Wilson's exit.

WATCH: ‘Blunt’ Sean Payton has a ‘1-word’ response to whether letting Russell Wilson go was a difficult decision

Sean Payton and Russell Wilson (Image via IMAGO)

Russell Wilson‘s era with the Denver Broncos came to an abrupt end as head coach Sean Payton decided to bench the $243 million acquisition only two years prior. The move came as a massive surprise because the Broncos were on a decent run and even had an outside shot at playing postseason football. 

Later, Russell Wilson revealed that his demotion was the result of a contract dispute between him and the Broncos front office. They advised the 35-year-old to make some changes to his deal, which would have brought down his annual income.

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After Wilson refused to comply with the demand, the Broncos released him after taking an NFL record $85 million dead cap hit. Afterward, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers for one year, earning $38 million as a bonus from the Broncos.

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Sean Payton was in Orlando on Monday when reporters asked him whether the financial ramifications following Wilson’s departure would hurt the Broncos going forward. 

NO!
the veteran head coach said in a stern voice

Well, the relationship between Payton and Wilson was never great. The Broncos brought him in from the Seattle Seahawks to distance themselves from the recent slump they were in after Peyton Manning‘s retirement. However, Payton appeared to be “a man still mourning his lover.“

This one-word answer kind of gave away the idea that he doesn’t wish to open the Pandora box in front of the press. 

Sean Payton addressed the Broncos quarterback situation

Now that Wilson is no longer with Mile High, the only quarterback the Broncos have at their disposal is 2023 backup Jarrett Stidham. When the reporters asked Payton why they hadn’t shown any interest in adding a quarterback, he quickly replied.

WATCH: 'Blunt' Sean Payton has a '1-word' response to whether letting Russell Wilson go was a difficult decision
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton heads up the tunnel after warmups during an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Denver Broncos and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA (Image via IMAGO)
We weren't just going to sign a quarterback to sign one.
Payton said

ESPN.com revealed that Payton may eye the NFL Draft for a new franchise quarterback. They even conducted a private talk with Michigan’s JJ McCarthy after his Pro Day.

The draft is one element, and we're kind of in that phase now. It's all part of the process, and it can help lead to at least a more efficient and effective decision.
Payton said

McCarthy is projected to go as high as third in the draft. Bringing him in for a private chat shows that they are seriously considering utilizing their available resources. However, they hold the 12th pick, so the only way for the CFP champion to end up in Denver is to trade up.

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