NFL rumors: Russell Wilson’s leash with Sean Payton is shockingly short

Russell Wilson may have a significant amount of guaranteed money left on his deal, but he has a lot to prove to the Broncos and Sean Payton.

According to the latest NFL rumors, things may not be all that great in Denver between Russell Wilson and Sean Payton as the quarterback and new-to-Denver head coach get things off the ground.

Matthew Berry rounded up the 23 most interesting things he learned at the NFL Scouting Combine, and among them was the nugget that Sean Payton doesn’t even like his new quarterback, Russell Wilson.

Yikes. Not the best start for a team that absolutely needs everyone on the same page.

Other recent NFL rumors: 

• Baker Mayfield drawing shockingly heavy interest already
• Packers are desperate to get rid of Aaron Rodgers
• Tom Brady might not stay retired after all, landing spot already emerging
• Chiefs making huge cap-cutting move after talks fall through

Russell Wilson is on a one-year tryout with the Broncos

Russell Wilson may have signed a massive guaranteed deal last offseason with the Denver Broncos, but that far from guarantees him a spot on the roster. According to Berry, this year is a one-year tryout for Wilson.

He has just a matter of months to prove himself to his new head coach Sean Payton.

The first impressions have not exactly been the best. In his introductory presser, Payton condemned the privileges Wilson was granted in the Broncos building last year (including his own personal office on the executive floor of the team building, and his own personal quarterback coach having access to the facilities).

Now, he also is growing weary of Wilson’s pesteringly positive attitude that’s involving his former player and the quarterback he won a Super Bowl with, Drew Brees.

"“This source pointed out that Payton has said multiple times in public, on the record, how Russell keeps ‘bothering Drew Brees.’ Payton tries to play it off for a laugh, but my source doesn’t think Payton actually think it’s funny.”"

Ultimately, while it would be great for a coach and quarterback to like each other, it’s not a necessity to win. All they really need is respect for each other.

Payton runs a tight ship. He’s made it clear that any B.S. distracting the team or serving the individual needs but not team success won’t be tolerated.

There are other examples of coaches that didn’t always love their quarterback but found success. Bill Belichick was notoriously hard on Tom Brady, but the duo were record-setting together.

The problem, though, is dislike can easily turn into a loss of respect if it’s not addressed.

Wilson will come into training camp with a lot to prove to Payton and his new staff.

This is what Wilson asked for. He practically hand-picked Sean Payton. Now he needs to deal with the repercussions of that decision. If he wants to win, he should go along.