Kareem Jackson says Russell Wilson puts the Broncos “over the top”

The Denver Broncos officially re-signed safety Kareem Jackson on Monday, a few days after the news became public Jackson would be back.

In a wide-ranging interview with Phil Milani, who works for the team, Jackson discussed why he decided to re-join the Broncos on a one-year deal.

“We added some huge pieces, so for me it was definitely important to come back. I feel like over the last three years I’ve created a great relationship with a lot of guys here. I think we’ve got a great group of guys in the locker room,” Jackson said.

One of those guys in the locker room is obviously Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson, a massive offseason addition by Broncos GM George Paton. Jackson spoke glowingly about Denver’s new quarterback.

“It’s huge. Any time you have a guy of his caliber under center and to be a leader in the locker room with his experience, there’s pretty much nothing he hasn’t seen or done in this league. To have another leader like that on the offensive side of the ball, to lead that group, it’s huge for us,” Jackson said.

When asked a little later on in the interview to elaborate on his thoughts on Wilson, Jackson didn’t hold back. He more or less said the QB play hasn’t been good enough for the Broncos in recent years.

“Just in previous years, I think we’ve always played some good ball, but you add a guy like Russell at the quarterback position it definitely puts you over the top. A lot of those close games that we lost, he’ll make a couple more plays on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively we’ll have to do the same. I think we’re very close,” Jackson said.

The narrative around the NFL had been the Broncos were “a QB away” from being a contender. And now they have that QB. There should be no more excuses in 2022, as it’s go time for this team. Jackson is a significant part of that on the defensive side of the ball, and it’s exciting to have him back.

If you want to watch the full interview, including Jackson’s thoughts on Justin Simmons and his new tattoo honoring the late, great Demaryius Thomas tattoo, it’s below.

“It should be a fun year for us.”

Let's get it, @ReemBoi25! pic.twitter.com/nSHp5pqm4S

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 11, 2022

***

Related

Broncos have near consensus top offensive line in NFLThere are signs that the Broncos could have an effective running gameSean Payton reveals plan for Bo Nix in first game back since fractured ankleSean Payton reflects on Broncos ‘tussle’ and is using it as a teaching momentThe Broncos’ path to the Super Bowl runs through a more balanced offensePreviewing Bo Nix’s long-awaited return to the field against the Packers