Sean Payton is right choice for Broncos if they want Russell Wilson to cook again

If QB Russell Wilson is going to cook again, trading for Payton is the only reasonable option. 

The team will reportedly either trade its 2023 first-round pick — which it acquired in the Bradley Chubb trade to Miami — and a second-round pick in 2024 for Payton and a Saints 2024 third-round pick, or its fourth-round pick in 2023 and a first in 2024 for only Payton.

Denver is operating under the assumption that Russell Wilson is still a Super Bowl-caliber QB and not the subpar version of himself we saw in 2022. 

Even if Wilson isn't at his peak, Payton might still be able to manufacture a decent offense around him after he constructed several effective units in New Orleans once QB Drew Brees' arm strength began to decline.

Wilson was arguably the most disappointing player in football this season after the Broncos traded five picks and three players to land him in a trade with the Seahawks. 

He was 292-of-483 (60.5%) for 3,524 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season and the team went 4-11 in his 15 starts.

An easy way Payton can help Wilson is by bringing in a pass-catching running back as he often did while in New Orleans. 

Whether it was Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles or Alvin Kamara, the Saints offense was best when Brees had a reliable target in the backfield. 

Running back Javonte Williams is a nice start in Denver, but it would be surprising if the team didn't add to its backfield depth this offseason. 

Payton also loves the ability to utilize tight ends in his offense, which should make rookie tight end Greg Dulcich a trendy name for a big 2023.

He had 33 receptions, 411 yards and two touchdowns during his rookie year and tight ends including Jeremy Shockey, Jimmy Graham, Ben Watson and Jared Cook all put up solid numbers while Payton was the head coach for the Saints.

As much hope as Payton's hiring should give the fanbase, Broncos fans might be more hesitant to pop the champagne after getting burned the last time the team made a huge off-season trade when it dealt for Wilson. 

Denver made the only move it could make by agreeing to a deal with New Orleans for Payton. There's little doubt that he is one of the brightest offensive minds in football. If anyone can fix Wilson, it's him.

Whether he will or not is a matter for another day.