The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in the quarterback market. Or do they? The uncertainty surrounding their current quarterback situation has left fans puzzled, unsure of what moves the Steelers will make next. The landscape of the 2024 draft class is brimming with remarkable quarterback talent, offering enticing prospects for teams seeking to bolster their quarterback room, or find their next franchise signal-caller. Additionally, the free agent market boasts an abundance of skilled quarterbacks, further expanding the array of options available to teams in need.
Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett gets ready to take the snap before an offensive play during a regular season football game.
Despite this wealth of potential options, the Steelers' intentions regarding the quarterback position remain shrouded in uncertainty, with reports presenting conflicting narratives about their plans and interests. This ambiguity has left fans and analysts alike speculating on the direction the Steelers will ultimately take in addressing their quarterback needs.
The Steelers have stood firm in their commitment to Kenny Pickett, yet conflicting reports have emerged suggesting interest in acquiring Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields. Adding to the mix is the prominent presence of former Super Bowl champion and ex-Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson as another potential option in the Steelers' quarterback carousel.
Isaiah J. Downing / USA Today Sports
Former Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson stands in the pocket and winds up to throw a pass.
Wilson was cut by the Broncos on Monday. Andrew Fillipponi, a member of the Pittsburgh media, took to his social media to state his opinion on what the Steelers should do at quarterback now that Wilson has been cut.
“Russell Wilson for $1.21 million. If the Steelers can do that. They should.”
While this move doesn't come as a surprise to many, it might have seemed improbable in the midst of the 2023 season. Wilson, who was initially acquired by the Broncos in a blockbuster trade back in 2022, became the centerpiece of their offensive strategy. Following the trade, the Broncos wasted no time in securing Wilson's future with the team, offering him a lucrative five-year contract extension valued at over $242 million dollars. This move signaled the organization's commitment to building around Wilson and solidifying him as a franchise cornerstone.
Steelers Could Gain From The Broncos' Massive Mistake
However, the Broncos' decision to release Wilson comes with significant financial implications. With Wilson's departure, the team will absorb an NFL-record $85 million in dead cap space, signaling the hefty financial burden associated with this move. While this move is horrible for the Broncos, it could be a gift for the Steelers.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers star LB TJ Watt (left) talks with the then-Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson (right) before a regular season game in Pittsburgh, PA.
This departure leaves the Broncos scrambling to reassess their quarterback situation and underscores the unpredictable nature of the NFL landscape, where even the most promising alliances can dissolve with surprising swiftness.
As Denver navigates this unexpected development, the league watches closely, anticipating the ripple effects that Wilson's departure will undoubtedly have on both the Broncos and the broader NFL landscape. This move might compel the Steelers to sign Wilson simply due to the irresistible value it offers. The Steelers could greatly benefit from bringing in a highly motivated Wilson to compete for the starting job. It appears to be a situation with very low risk and high reward potential.
This move could spell good fortune for the Steelers, who may be seeking a quarterback offering great value. Fillipponi's suggestion that the Steelers could acquire Wilson for as little as $1.21 million demonstrates that passing up on such a price would be silly.
In the worst-case scenario, acquiring Wilson entails bringing in a quarterback who, at 35 years old, may not possess the same prowess as before, but exhibited promising signs towards the end of the 2023 season before being benched due to contract restructuring disputes. It appears to be a low-risk move for a team in need of a seasoned quarterback, especially considering Wilson's eagerness to reaffirm his elite status. His addition would provide Pickett with genuine competition and, ideally, a mentor from whom to glean valuable insights.
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