Getty Image / Perry Knotts
The Pittsburgh Steelers have huge decisions to make at quarterback this offseason. But, a new report has shed some clarity on the situation.
According to Gerry Kapec of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers are planning to meet with free agent quarterback Russell Wilson next week.
The Steelers are interested in signing Russell Wilson and are tentatively planning to meet with the former Denver Broncos quarterback before the official start of free agency next week, sources have told the Post-Gazette.
Wilson, 35, has an interest in joining the Steelers, but he is already talking with at least one other team after the Broncos gave him permission to seek employment elsewhere before they release him.
Wilson isn’t technically a free agent yet, but will be released by the Broncos when the new league year begins next Wednesday. While his time in Denver was a complete disaster, he would still be a massive upgrade over Kenny Pickett.
Put simply, Russell Wilson threw 26 touchdown passes last year with the Denver Broncos against 8 interceptions. The Pittsburgh Steelers have 24 touchdown passes the last two seasons.
Plus, the worst part about Russell Wilson in Denver was his terrible contract and the large amount of assets Denver gave up for him. But, he’s going to be getting paid some of the $80 million+ in dead money still left on his contract next year, and will play for a cheap salary in 2024. There’s practically no long-term risk for a team to sign Russell Wilson.
And, let’s face it, Russell Wilson would be a great fit in Pittsburgh. Maybe no fan base has as much irrational confidence as Steelers fans, and Russell Wilson certainly has a lot of irrational confidence. Plus, with an offense that is league-average, the Steelers all of a sudden become a dark horse contender to play deep into the playoffs.