Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

How Broncos can develop a Russell Wilson contingency plan

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 2/14/23

Denver hiring Sean Payton doesn't guarantee Russell Wilson is saved, so the Broncos should bring in another QB as a contingency plan.

"I'm skeptical even Payton can get Wilson to be better than average at this point," wrote NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal. "Denver should start planning for life with a different starting QB."

In 15 starts, Wilson posted career lows in passing TDs (16), completion percentage (60.5 percent) and passer rating (84.4).

Wilson has six years remaining on his contract, and the Broncos cannot cut him until 2025 since doing so results in no cap savings, per Over the Cap.

The Broncos should still draft a young QB Payton can develop. Despite Denver having no picks before the third round via Tankathon, it can find a hidden gem in a class that's rich at the position.

One prospect who raised his stock is Fresno State's Jake Haener, the 2023 Senior Bowl MVP.

Jake Haener finds Michael Wilson for the TD!

A @FresnoStateFB to @StanfordFball connection for the National Team!

: @seniorbowl on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/ZZPWydGGcx
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 4, 2023

"Multiple evaluators I spoke to said he was clearly the best QB at the Senior Bowl," wrote ESPN's Todd McShay. "He showed no fear. He anticipates and moves well. His confidence was noticeable."

Haener is undersized for an NFL QB at 6-foot-1 and weighs 208 pounds, yet Payton had tremendous success with an undersized QB in New Orleans. Drew Brees, 6-foot and 209 pounds, made 12 Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl XLIV under Payton.

ESPN's Jordan Reid projects Haener as a mid to late day three pick, which is within the Broncos' range.

It would be a solid pick because it gives Denver another backup and a prospect to develop if Wilson keeps struggling.

More must-reads: