Denver Broncos general manager George Paton discussed the in-season Russell Wilson contract negotiations.
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00:00 And I'll address the Russ situation, hopefully one time and as thorough as possible.
00:05 During the bye week, I did reach out to Russ's agent in a good faith and
00:10 creative attempt to adjust his contract.
00:14 We couldn't get a deal done.
00:16 We moved on with our season.
00:18 It didn't come up again.
00:20 Fast forward week 17, Sean makes a change at the quarterback position.
00:25 This was a football decision made by Sean,
00:28 what he thought was in the best interest of the team.
00:31 This was completely independent of any conversations I had with the agent.
00:35 Again, it was a football decision made by Sean.
00:39 In regards to negotiations, I'll just keep the specifics private,
00:43 out of respect for really everyone involved.
00:47 Negotiations are hard.
00:49 You have difficult conversations, tough conversations, and
00:54 you can characterize a negotiation really any way you want.
00:58 And we always try to handle ourselves professionally and
01:01 in the best interest of the Broncos and this was no different.
01:04 >> Would you anticipate him being part of the organization beyond this spring?
01:10 >> I think Sean commented on that.
01:11 We really have, this meeting's a deep dive in the entire roster.
01:13 The door remains open with Russ.
01:15 I've had good conversations with Russ.
01:17 Sean's had good conversations.
01:19 The door is open.
01:20 And so we'll just kind of get through the process.
01:22 We'll visit as we know with the coaching staff, scouting staff.
01:26 We'll visit with Russ and his people and we'll go from there.
01:29 >> Was Sean aware of your negotiations with Russ's agent at midseason?
01:35 And you say the door's open from your end to Russ.
01:39 Do you believe that he's open to returning?
01:41 >> I've talked to Russ.
01:43 He's open to returning.
01:45 And in regards to Sean, Sean was not part of the negotiation.
01:49 Sean was getting ready for Buffalo.
01:51 And we handle the business, Rich and I.
01:54 Sean was in season.
01:56 Sean is in prep mode and he was preparing for Buffalo.
02:00 >> And you knew that?
02:03 >> I handled the negotiations.
02:05 Yeah, we made a good faith attempt to adjust his contract.
02:09 We handled ourselves professionally and I'll just leave it at that.