Former NFL player Ryan Clark has drawn a sharp comparison between Sean Payton’s treatment of Russell Wilson and his handling of Drew Brees, suggesting that the difference in approach is stark.
Wilson’s tenure with the Denver Broncos following his trade from the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 proved to be tumultuous. Despite signing a lucrative deal, the team struggled under his leadership, failing to secure playoff berths in both seasons.
When Payton assumed the coaching reins in Denver in 2023, replacing Nathaniel Hackett, the situation didn’t improve. Wilson was eventually benched with two games remaining in the season, and the Broncos opted to release him before he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent earlier this month.
Clark criticized Payton’s handling of Wilson, contrasting it with his treatment of Brees during their time together with the New Orleans Saints. He expressed his concerns about quarterbacks playing under Payton, suggesting that his behavior towards Wilson was different and lacked the respect he showed towards Brees.
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Despite the uncertainty surrounding the starting quarterback position in Pittsburgh, reports indicate that Wilson will have a clear path to the starting role, with Justin Fields slated to serve as his backup initially.
Fields’ arrival in Pittsburgh sparked speculation about a potential quarterback competition, but reports suggest that the Steelers have informed him of his backup role to Wilson for the upcoming season.
Considering the age disparity between Fields and Wilson, the situation may evolve over time. Fields, at 25, represents a younger option, while Wilson, at 35, is entering the latter stages of his career.
Fields’ departure from the Chicago Bears, despite being a first-round pick three years ago, signifies a shift in the team’s quarterback strategy. The Bears are expected to target a quarterback with their top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, signaling a change in direction after a disappointing run with Fields at the helm.
