Russell Wilson, the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback who was recently released by the Denver Broncos, will sign a team-friendly deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers when the new league year begins on Wednesday, per multiple reports.
The news seemed to be confirmed by Wilson himself.
Year 13. Grateful. @Steelers pic.twitter.com/0U4Q2sRtXs
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 11, 2024
Wilson had been traded to the Broncos by the Seattle Seahawks in 2022, and it was a deal that did not work out for Denver. In two seasons with the Broncos, he completed 63.3% of his passes with 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions, but he clashed with head coach Sean Payton last season, and was ultimately benched to end the season.
For the Steelers, it’s a move that can only be good. As Wilson will be paid $38 million of his salary by the Broncos in 2024, Wilson can sign for peanuts. And given the Steelers’ quarterback situation over the last few years, Wilson could be an immediate net positive, though he’s been an inconsistent player of late. The end of Ben Roethlisberger’s career made way for 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett, who hasn’t really distinguished himself.
Last season, the 10-7 Steelers finished 28th in points scored, and sixth in points allowed. They have a dynamic defense, an above-average run game, and an offensive line and receiver corps with potential. They also have a head coach in Mike Tomlin who can get along with just about anybody, and a new offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith, whose play-action/explosive play preferences would seem to fit with Wilson’s attributes.
Perhaps this is what Wilson needs to resuscitate his career, and what the Steelers need to put themselves back over the top.