Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – The Pittsburgh Steelers are considering a meeting with former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson ahead of the NFL free agency opening on Wednesday, a source familiar with the situation confirmed. The news of this potential meeting, first reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, raises questions about the Steelers’ quarterback strategy for the upcoming season.
Uncertainty surrounds the level of interest the Steelers have in Wilson, a seasoned quarterback recently released by the Broncos. The team’s general manager expressed confidence in current quarterback Kenny Pickett and emphasized the desire to re-sign free agent Mason Rudolph. If a deal is reached with Wilson, it could mark the departure of Rudolph from the Steelers’ roster.
Wilson, who spent a decade with the Seattle Seahawks before joining the Broncos, faced challenges in the 2022 season but showed improvement in the latest season with over 3,000 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Despite being benched towards the end of the season, Wilson’s tenure in Denver ended with a record of 11-19 in 30 starts.
Following the Broncos’ decision to release Wilson due to salary-cap constraints, the team will incur a significant financial hit. Wilson is guaranteed $39 million in 2024, with potential adjustments based on his new contract terms elsewhere. The Steelers currently have only Pickett under contract for the upcoming season, typically rostering three quarterbacks and inviting four to training camp.
The possibility of Wilson joining the Steelers raises questions about the team’s long-term quarterback plans and faith in their current players. Signing Wilson would deviate from earlier statements by team management and suggest a shift towards a win-now mentality. Despite Wilson’s experience and red zone proficiency, concerns linger about his fit with the team’s offensive approach under new coordinator Arthur Smith.
The unexpected nature of Wilson’s potential meeting with the Steelers sparks speculation about underlying connections and motives. While business ties between team minority owner Thomas Tull and Wilson may exist, their relevance to the decision-making process remains unclear. The intricate web of relationships among key figures adds complexity to the narrative surrounding Wilson’s potential move to Pittsburgh.