Assessing Russell Wilson to the Steelers
p/c: Jamie Schwaberow
Russell Wilson has coined the phrase “Let’s Ride”. Apparently that ride will be happening in the city of Pittsburgh, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported late Sunday night that the nine-time, Pro Bowl quarterback plans to sign with the Steelers. The deal is for one-year at $1.2 million, this from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
On Friday, Wilson had met with the New York Giants, before taking a flight to Pittsburgh to visit the Steelers that afternoon.
Despite a 2023 season that saw Wilson put up 3,070 yards, a 26-8 TD/INT ratio, and the eighth highest passer rating at 98.0, for the Denver Broncos, there was tension between the 35-year-old Wilson & head coach Sean Payton.
Reports came out last Monday that the Broncos were releasing Wilson. Denver now owes Wilson $38 million.
Before the offseason even began for the Steelers, both Art Rooney II and Mike Tomlin had said there would be a veteran brought in to compete alongside Kenny Pickett, and it appears Wilson is the guy.
Assessment: While Wilson no longer plays at an elite level, he still performs better than most in the league, even in his mid-30’s.
What’s made Wilson so successful in his NFL career has been his ability to make things happen from play action. New Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is very reliant on using play action schemes, so Wilson’s QB style combined with Smith’s playcalling could be a match made in heaven.
Agreeing to sign Wilson at just $1.2 million, for one-year, is likely to be the best bargain move that the Steelers, or any other team, will make in this entire offseason.
Regardless if Wilson can become Pittsburgh’s starter, or comes in to serve as a QB2, it gives Pickett a wake up call.