It’s no secret that the Denver Broncos didn’t have a great first season with Russell Wilson.
After finishing the year with a 5-12 record, the team made several moves to change their fate in 2023.
Wilson has been spotted making many improvements to his game, including weight loss to get back to his prior abilities.
While some predict a bounce-back year for Wilson, others aren’t so sure that he has what it takes.
In a recent conversation with Jackson McIntyre of The Volume, Mike Sando said, “He’s declined for three years in a row.”
"I think Russell Wilson is in a dicey situation … his days as a superstar, athletically, are probably over"
—@SandoNFL tells @jasonrmcintyre why Russell Wilson's days as a starting QB might be numbered pic.twitter.com/9tB9bYKLsX
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) August 2, 2023
Wilson averaged 234.9 passing yards per game in 2022, a far cry from the prior season’s averages.
While the Broncos have brought in Sean Payton as their newest head coach, Sando acknowledged that, if Wilson struggles, it won’t be Payton’s fault “at first.”
Sando did recognize that Wilson has a “good opportunity” in 2023, but everything hinges on his on-field ability.
The Broncos have several elite offensive pieces, including Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Greg Dulcich, and Javonte Williams, when healthy.
Wilson can certainly be great with this offense, especially if he’s given adequate support from the offensive line.
But, Sando said, “his days as a superstar, athletically, are probably over.”
Wilson’s career rushing yard average per game is 28.7.
Last season, he averaged just 18.4, a full 10 yards less per game.
If this is any indication of Wilson’s athleticism, fans could see another regression in 2023.
The Broncos gave up significant capital for Wilson and will be looking for a massive yield on their investment moving forward.
NEXT: Joy Taylor Shares Her Concerns About Russell Wilson In 2023