Russell Wilson Picks Steelers As New Team; Pittsburgh Lands Perfect 'Low-Risk' QB1
Steelers country, let's ride.
Russell Wilson picked his new team, choosing to join the Pittsburgh Steelers at the start of the new league year on March 13.
Wilson relayed a confirmation, late Sunday. "Year 13. Grateful. @Steelers," Wilson posted on social media.
The fallen Denver Broncos savior begins his redemption tour under Mike Tomlin's tutelage and new Steelers OC Arthur Smith. Pittsburgh snuck into the playoffs last season at 10-7.
Wilson and the Steelers came to an agreement after meeting on Friday. He is expected to sign a ‘friendly’ one-year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The financial flexibility with Wilson's services came courtesy of a bad split with his former team, the Broncos.
CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 26: Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, November. 26, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Wilson comes off a less-than-ideal two-year run in Denver. The team is expected to pay $38 million of Wilson's salary in 2024-25. Two years after crowning Wilson as the next great Broncos QB, Denver's brass opted to release Wilson and swallow $85 million in dead cap to get him off the roster.
Denver's coach, Sean Payton, challenged Wilson in his first year as coach in 2023, making a strong suggestion that he wasn't the proper quarterback for his regime.
Russ takes on Kenny Pickett for the Steelers' QB1 position, feeling confident he can start Week 1. Russ tallied 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions for Denver last season.
Mason Rudolph, longtime Steelers backup, is a free agent.
OutKick founder Clay Travis reacted to Wilson's move, calling it an attractive signing for Pittsburgh. "Russell Wilson to the Steelers with the Broncos paying most of his salary. Absolute no risk move for Steelers. AFC North is stacked."
ENGLEWOOD, CO - MARCH 16: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos poses with his jersey after speaking to the media at UCHealth Training Center on March 16, 2022 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
And he's right. Russell Wilson faces a steep uphill battle to help the Steelers claim that division.
The Baltimore Ravens are led by the reigning NFL MVP; Joe Burrow will return for the Cincinnati Bengals next season; then there's Cleveland, guided by Coach of the Year, Kevin Stefanski.
Even with the challenge, Wilson finds potential with the cast of Pittsburgh's offensive talent and Tomlin's coaching. Wilson will join running back Najee Harris and superb wideouts, Diontae Johnson and George Pickens.
Yes, Russ will face the cold Steelers media. But after years of failed QB replacements, post-Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers faithful will be glad to host a capable QB1 under center.
The 35-year-old also visited the New York Giants on Thursday as a pit stop. Despite flirting with the G-Men, Wilson picked the Steelers, carrying the expectation of winning another Super Bowl before calling it a career. Or two more Super Bowls.
(Will Russ cook in Pittsburgh? Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com)
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