Super Bowl champion discusses why Russell Wilson failed with Broncos

Long-time Denver Broncos cornerback and one-time Super Bowl champion Chris Harris Jr. is the latest noteworthy member of the NFL community to discuss why Russell Wilson failed to impress Denver head coach Sean Payton in their one season working together. 

"I think it was a lot of plays out there that Russ missed, and Sean had some great calls," Harris said on the "Minus Three" podcast, as shared by Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot. "Of course Sean, he had a couple bad days. It happens as a head coach. But I think he had the right schemes, he had the right plays to be able to get these guys open and to make plays. A lot of times, Russ held the ball a lot, causing extra sacks, killing drives, kinda missing a lot of big throws."

Harris offered his comments after NFL insider Aditi Kinkhabwala of CBS Sports said that Wilson "couldn't manage or handle the play-calling" under Payton and "was constantly climbing out of the back of the pocket" throughout the 2023 campaign. According to StatMuse, Wilson took more total sacks (100) than any other quarterback over the past two seasons. 

The Broncos ate the largest dead cap hit in NFL history to part ways with Wilson in March.

Wilson, who turns 36 this November, seems to have at least a slight advantage over Justin Fields regarding the competition for Pittsburgh's starting job. Harris indicated that Wilson could turn the clock back playing under Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

"I think Russ is better suited in a spread offense where he can have guys four-wide, five-wide, empty, and be able to see and be able to make his throws," Harris explained. "I think that's what's gonna best suit him in the Steelers offense because I don't think he really truly fit the system Sean Payton wanted to run."

Harris also called the 2024 season "a make-or-break year" for Wilson considering the Steelers aren't married to the nine-time Pro Bowl selection beyond February 2025. As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Wilson fifth among the betting favorites at +1200 odds to earn Comeback Player of the Year honors for the upcoming season. 

Before Wilson can think about winning any award, he first must show Pittsburgh's coaching staff that he and not Fields is the right quarterback to serve as the club's Week 1 starter.