Tag: Russell Wislon

Steelers QB Russell Wilson gets big endorsement from NFL analyst Ryan Leaf

The Steelers season is going to depend on new starting quarterback Russell Wilson.

With all the changes the Pittsburgh Steelers have made this offseason, the success of this team really hinges on the play of the quarterback. This team is going to go exactly as far as Russell Wilson can take them.

NFL analyst and former No. 1 overall pick Ryan Leaf was on Up & Adams and told Kay Adams he believes Wilson still has a Super Bowl champion quarterback in him and to watch out for the Steelers.

Wilson led the Seattle Seahawks to consecutive Super Bowl appearances and went 1-1. The Seahawks blew out the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII and lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX.

The Steelers were at or near the bottom in nearly every passing stat in the NFL last season. This is why the front office completely gutted out the quarterback depth chart and hired new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

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Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth sings the praises of Russell Wilson

Pat Freiermuth could be a serious weapon this season for Russell Wilson.

A player who stands to gain the most from the addition of Russell Wilson to the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback room is tight end Pat Freiermuth.

Freiermuth is heading into the final year of his rookie contract. Should general manager Omar Khan wait to extend him until after the 2024 season, he could cash in if Wilson connects with his tight end.

Building chemistry is critical to the success of the Steelers’ new quarterback and that process has already begun.

“I was just down there in San Diego with him working out and throwing routes,” Freiermuth said on Around the 412 podcast. “He’s been great at talking to guys and starting to build that connection. He’s a great guy.

“You can tell the drive and determination that he has to win and come to Pittsburgh and win some playoff games for us.”

The Steelers remain without a No. 2 wide receiver and Freiermuth could fill that void in the passing game if the team doesn’t make another move in free agency. Even if Pittsburgh drafts a receiver, we all know how slowly Mike Tomlin historically introduces rookie pass-catchers.

In 2022, Freiermuth had a career-high 63 receptions for 732 receiving yards. The new offense being implemented by offensive coordinator Arthur Smith can showcase the tight end position and is a great fit for Freiermuth.

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Steelers getting a bargain on Russell Wilson contract

The Steelers get Russell Wilson on a league-minimum contract.

With the news that the Pittsburgh Steelers were signing former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, the first thought went to money. Like it or not the salary cap and managing it is as important as anything for franchises.

But with Wilson, the Steelers got a real bargain and it works great for Wilson as well. When Wilson signed with the Broncos in 2022, he signed a massive five-year, $242.6 million contract. Now, he joins the Steelers on a one-year contract with the Steelers paying him $1.2 million and the Broncos picking up the tab on the rest of the $39 million he is due for this season.

The reality is Wilson is a one-year rental for the Steelers but it isn’t to say he won’t be with the team beyond 2024. Wilson doesn’t seem like a guy who is ready to walk away from the game so Pittsburgh could really benefit from his motivation. He wants to put the last two years behind him and remind the league of the player he once was. Thankfully this will happen as a bargain for the Steelers.

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Steelers to meet with QB Russell Wilson ahead of free agency

The Steelers might not be content with just Kenny Pickett afterall.

According to Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer Gerry Dulac, the Pittsburgh Steelers have an interest in signing free-agent quarterback Russell Wilson and plan to meet with him ahead of the start of free agency.

Wilson is one of several players linked to the Steelers in reports as a potential addition to the quarterback depth chart. There have been so many conflicting reports about what the Steelers have planned for free agency and quarterbacks we’ve just been sitting back and waiting for something legitimate to happen. If Dulac is saying the team plans to meet with Wilson, it’s safe to assume this is happening.

The Steelers spent a ton of time at the NFL Scouting Combine meeting with players but quarterbacks weren’t among them. This leads us to believe the Steelers are prepared to roll with Kenny Pickett and see how they can build the depth chart around him with veterans. Wilson might be past his prime but it’s hard to argue he isn’t still an upgrade over Pickett or Mason Rudolph.

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