The Pittsburgh Steelers have important decisions to make this season regarding the quarterback position. But a new report has clarified the situation.
Gerry Kapec of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Steelers plan to meet with free agent quarterback Russell Wilson next week.
The Steelers are interested in signing Russell Wilson and plan to meet with the former Denver Broncos quarterback before the official start of free agency next week, according to the Post-Gazette’s sources.
Thirty-five-year-old Wilson is interested in signing with the Steelers but is already in talks with at least one other team after the Broncos allowed him to seek employment elsewhere before he was released.
Wilson is not technically a free agent yet, but the Broncos will release him when the new league year starts next Wednesday. Even though his time in Denver was a complete disaster, he would still be a big upgrade over Kenny Pickett.
Simply put, Russell Wilson threw 26 touchdown passes to 8 interceptions for the Denver Broncos last year. With the Pittsburgh Steelers, he has 24 touchdown passes in the last two seasons.
In addition, the worst part of Russell Wilson’s time in Denver was his terrible contract and the large amount of assets Denver gave up for him. But next year, he’ll get some of the $80+ million in dead money still left on his contract, and in 2024, he’ll be playing for a low salary. There is virtually no long-term risk for a team that signs Russell Wilson.
And, let’s face it, Russell Wilson would be great in Pittsburgh. Perhaps no fan group has as much irrational trust as Steelers fans, but Russell Wilson certainly has a lot of irrational trust. In addition, with a league-average offense, the Steelers have suddenly become a dark horse that can contend deep into the playoffs.