Steelers' Mike Tomlin Absolutely Wants Russell Wilson To Be His Quarterback In 2024 According To Peter King

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offseason is abuzz with rumors, and two positions have taken center stage in the spotlight. The offensive coordinator and quarterback roles.

With the 2024 offseason looming, the Steelers find themselves in an intriguing predicament. Mason Rudolph, the quarterback who finished the season starting, is set to become a free agent. Kenny Pickett, despite showing promise, hasn't yet solidified himself as the future of the franchise, and Mitch Trubisky, brought in as a backup, has struggled to secure wins when called upon.

During his end of the season press conference, Head Coach Mike Tomlin made a statement that has raised eyebrows among Steeler Nation - he believes that the quarterback of 2024 is currently on the roster. However, this assertion has fueled speculation about the team's quarterback plans for the upcoming season.

Steelers Fans Shouldn't Rule Out Russell Wilson

Renowned sports analyst Peter King of NBC Sports recently shared his opinion on who he believes Tomlin desires as his quarterback for the 2024 season. King made his views clear during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan.

"I would not rule out Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh," King remarked. "I think if Mike Tomlin had his way, he'd want a veteran quarterback."

This statement has added fuel to the fire of an already popular rumor mill that links Russell Wilson to the Steelers. However, evaluating the potential of Wilson joining the Steelers requires a closer examination.

Wilson's journey in the NFL has been marked by both highs and lows. After an early career with the Seattle Seahawks that included a Super Bowl victory, Wilson made a high-profile move to the Denver Broncos. His transition to the Mile High City, though, was less than smooth.

In his initial stint with the Broncos, Wilson struggled to find his rhythm. However, as the 2023 season progressed, he began to show shades of the Wilson of old. His performance improved significantly, and despite being benched, he played some of his best football in a Broncos uniform towards the end of the season. In 2023, Wilson completed 66.4% of his passes, throwing for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions.

But the Broncos' overall performance in 2023 was lackluster, begging the question of how much of their struggles can be attributed to Wilson. Now 35 years old and carrying a hefty contract, bringing in Wilson comes with both significant risk and potential reward.

Wilson signed a lucrative 5-year, $242,588,236 contract with the Broncos. This deal included a staggering $50,000,000 signing bonus and $161,000,000 guaranteed, with an average annual salary of $48,517,647. In 2024, Wilson is slated to earn a base salary of $17,000,000 and receive a signing bonus of $22,000,000, all while carrying a cap hit of $35,400,000 and a dead cap value of $85,000,000, according to Spotrac.

One notable point of contention in Wilson's tenure with the Broncos was his benching, which was allegedly linked to his reluctance to rework his contract. With the Broncos now parting ways with Wilson, the conversation about where he will play next season has become a popular topic of discussion.

The Steelers' Quarterback Dilemma

The Steelers are in dire need of a quarterback. Even if Pickett is seen as a potential solution, he has yet to prove that he can confidently lead the team into the upcoming season. The fate of Rudolph remains uncertain, as it's unclear whether he will return to the Steelers or explore other options.

King's belief that Tomlin is inclined toward a veteran quarterback aligns with Wilson's profile. The prospect of Tomlin and Wilson joining forces is undoubtedly intriguing and would generate excitement among Steelers fans and analysts alike.

As the Steelers' offseason unfolds, the quarterback position remains a topic of intense speculation and debate. Tomlin's alleged desire for a veteran quarterback has cast the spotlight on Wilson, whose recent performance and contract situation make him an enticing yet complex option. Steeler Nation eagerly awaits the team's decision, and whether Wilson will become the franchise's new quarterback in 2024 remains an unlikely, but tantalizing question.

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