Broncos hope Wilson brings winning pedigree to Denver

The Denver Broncos haven’t had a winning season since 2016 nor a postseason appearance since 2015. They hope to change all that with the acquisition of Russell Wilson.

Indeed, in the 33-year-old Cincinnati native, whom they acquired from the Seattle Seahawks for three players and a boatload of draft picks in March, the Broncos are getting a signal caller with a Super Bowl title, nine Pro Bowl appearances and a laundry list of other passing laurels to his name. And not that long ago, he was among the elite quarterbacks in the game, posting numbers among the leaders year after year.

Last season, however, was not one of them. Sidelined for three games for a finger injury to his throwing hand that required surgery, Wilson’s stats were off slightly but not precipitously. He completed 259 of 400 passes for 3,133 yards and 25 touchdowns against six interceptions for a 54.7 QBR and a 103.1 rating. He also rushed for another 183 yards. All respectable numbers but nowhere near the standard he’s set for himself.

Along with his Super Bowl and Pro Bowl appearances are his 105 wins since 2012, the most among active quarterbacks. He’s also the only quarterback in NFL history to throw for more than 35,000 yards and run for another 4,500-plus, and his 101.8 career rating ranks fourth all-time.

He’ll be in charge of new head coach Nathaniel Hackett’s wide-open offense when he returns to Lumen Field to lead the Broncos against his old team, the Seahawks, in a season-opening game airing Monday, Sept. 12, on ABC.