Russell Wilson: One of the Worst QB Trades In NFL History?

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Russell Wilson Arrives In Denver

In the Spring of 2022, the Broncos made an enormous wave around the NFL, when they traded for former all-pro and Super Bowl champion, Russell Wilson. The Broncos were desperate for a quarterback after Peyton Manning retired, and they believed they landed the one in Wilson. The Broncos gave up two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, and players Drew Lock, Shelby Harris, and Noah Fant.

2022 Season Struggles

After the Wilson trade, the Broncos had high expectations for the season, as they already had a top defense in the NFL. Unfortunately, Wilson looked like a former shell of himself. Wilson would throw for his lowest completion percentage of his entire career (60.5%). He also threw 11 interceptions, which was tied for the second most of his career. However, where Wilson struggled the most was in the red zone. Wilson threw for 16 touchdowns, a career low, and was near the bottom of the NFL. The offensive struggles resulted in the Broncos going 5-12 and firing their head coach, Nathaniel Hackett.

Current Season

In the 2023 season, the Broncos made another big splash when they traded a first-round pick and a second-round pick for formerly retired Saints head coach Sean Payton. This again elevated the expectation for the Broncos. While this season has been an improvement from 2022, they still missed the mark, as in the playoffs.

In 15 games, Wilson threw for 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. While it improved from the prior season, the Broncos still struggled to win games (7-8). The Broncos finally put a likely end to the Wilson era. After the loss to the Patriots, the Broncos announced they were benching Wilson in favor of Jarett Stidham in order to avoid a cap hit.

Worst Trade In NFL History?

While there have been many trades in the NFL that have not lived up to expectations, the Broncos and Wilson trade will leave a sour taste in Broncos fans’ mouths for a long time. To give up numerous high draft picks and three players for a quarterback to play subpar is a stinger. The Wilson trade might be the worst quarterback trade in NFL history. Unless.. A fellow QB in Cleveland fails to turn things around.