Former players often provide some of the most insightful evaluations of NFL teams. They carry a deep sense of pride in how their team performs each season, and once they’re no longer bound by franchise obligations, their opinions tend to be both bold and significant.
This was evident when former Denver Broncos offensive lineman Mark Schlereth, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the team from 1995 to 2000 (and a prior Super Bowl winner with the Washington Redskins), appeared on *The Herd* with Colin Cowherd on August 12. The discussion followed the impressive debut of Broncos’ rookie quarterback Bo Nix in a 34-30 preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts on August 11. Schlereth not only praised Nix but also took the opportunity to criticize Russell Wilson, the current Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback who had spent the previous two seasons with the Broncos.
“Ball out. I love the timing and tempo,” Schlereth said. “That was a major problem for us last year with all the negative plays. Everything Russell Wilson wasn’t for Sean Payton last year, Bo Nix was. You saw Nix stand firm in the pocket, deliver the ball on time and with accuracy. He manipulated the pocket well, never dropping his eyes to the rush, always keeping his focus downfield and delivering strikes.”
Schlereth Has Previously Criticized Wilson
This isn’t the first time Schlereth has voiced his dissatisfaction with Wilson’s performance during his two seasons in Denver. Back in March 2024, Schlereth appeared on *The Pat McAfee Show* to share his thoughts following the Broncos’ decision to release Wilson.
“I’m going to say thank goodness,” Schlereth remarked. “Based on how Russ has played the last couple of years, he’s declined. He doesn’t throw the ball in the middle of the field, and he lacks anticipation on his throws. You can talk all day about 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions, but to me, those are garbage numbers. With what he’s doing out there, it’s just not good enough anymore.”
While Schlereth’s criticism of Wilson focused on his on-field performance, Wilson’s lasting legacy in Denver is the financial burden his contract left behind. The Broncos released Wilson just two years into a 5-year, $242.5 million deal that included $161 million in guaranteed money. As a result, the team had to absorb a staggering dead cap hit of $85 million, spread across the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
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