Russell Wilson having nothing to say about Sean Payton actually speaks volumes.
Wilson notably omitted the Broncos’ head coach in his goodbye letter to the Broncos following the team announcing it is parting ways with the quarterback.
The Super Bowl-winning quarterback specifically thanked or complimented in his lengthy message: Broncos Country, his teammates, receivers Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick and Brandon Johnson, offensive tackle Garett Bolles and the offensive linemen, running backs Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, fullback Michael Burton and several Broncos staffers or organizations members.
Nowhere in his message did Wilson mention Payton or the rest of the coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi or quarterbacks coach Davis Webb.
Wilson did thank staffers who helped him prepare, though.
“To everyone helping like Lamar, making sure I had all of the film and cut ups,” Wilson wrote. “To Harry & Cole – the best pregame warmups!”
It’s not surprising Wilson would leave out Payton, specifically considering how their relationship — from an on-field perspective — deteriorated.
While Wilson rebounded under Payton’s tutelage after a disastrous season with Nathaniel Hackett, Payton and the organization told Wilson they would be benching him if he did not rework his contract.
Payton ultimately benched Wilson for the final two games of the season and even unloaded on him on the sidelines during a game in December.
The Broncos will now attempt to find a quarterback whom Payton can mold, with the coach reportedly enamored with Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.
Denver has the No. 12 pick in the draft and may have to move up to get one of the top prospects.
Wilson, 35, showed last year he still has plenty left in the tank and could be a fit for a team looking for a veteran presence, or a one-year stopgap for a team grooming a younger quarterback.
“Tough times don’t last, but tough people do,” Wilson wrote in his farewell message. “God’s got me. I am excited for what’s next.”
