Why Steelers Should Move on from Russell Wilson
p/c: Tommy Gilligan
Another year - another Pittsburgh Steelers first round playoff exit.
Many questions will need to be answered this offseason, following a five-game losing streak, which included an inept, postseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens, 28-14. Perhaps the biggest question surrounds the future of Russell Wilson.
After the Denver Broncos decided to release Wilson last offseason, the former nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback chose Pittsburgh as his next destination by signing a one-year deal, for the veteran minimum of $1.2 million.
Entering training camp, Wilson’s tenure with the Steelers got off to an inauspicious start, as he dealt with a calf injury. Whether the injury kept nagging Wilson, or the team being extra cautious, Justin Fields found himself as the starter during the first several weeks of the season.
Wilson made his Steelers debut in Week 7 against the New York Jets, where he went 16-29, for 264 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Thru his first seven games, Wilson put up an excellent, passer rating of 104.2. However, he struggled in his final four regular season games, which became a microcosm of the Steelers’ losing streak, registering an 82.8 passer rating.
Despite losing to the Ravens, on Wildcard Weekend, Wilson performed well, going 20-29, for 270 yards and two touchdowns.
The entire season numbers for Wilson was 2,482 passing yards, along with a 16-5 TD/INT reception.
As Wilson enters next season at age 36, the type of contract he’ll receive in free agency is really anyone’s guess. Most have speculated a two-year deal, but with a ballpark amount being an uncertainty.
One would have to imagine that Wilson would sign for a good amount, even short-term. But is it something the Steelers should explore?
Quite honestly, the Steelers need to go younger at the quarterback position based on where they’re at currently. Whether it’s Fields, another free agent QB, or someone in the draft. Investing more money into Wilson doesn’t make much sense for the Steelers, especially when they’re nowhere near a Super Bowl contending team, and I don’t expect it, if Wilson is around a couple more years.
Whatever amount Pittsburgh could spend on Wilson would be better served spent on the offensive line, and/or a quality, wide receiver this offseason.