Throughout the offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been prominently linked to the ongoing saga surrounding Denver Broncos quarterback, Russell Wilson. With rumors swirling and speculation rampant, the football world was abuzz with anticipation as to where Wilson would land next.
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Russell Wilson shakes hands with Steelers HC Mike Tomlin.
However, recent developments have added an unexpected twist to this narrative. Following the decision by the Broncos to part ways with Wilson, a move that has reverberated throughout the league due to the historic $85 million in dead money they now face, the landscape of Wilson's potential destinations has shifted dramatically.
This unprecedented financial burden taken on by the Broncos has opened up new possibilities for teams seeking to acquire Wilson's services, including the Steelers.
Skip Bayless and co-host Keyshawn Johnson discussed Wilson's future in the NFL on Fox Sports' Undisputed on Tuesday. Bayless offered the reason he believes Wilson has struggled since signing his massive contract with the Broncos.
"I’m not sure he was obsessively dedicated to it the way he was early on in Seattle. He’s got kids, he’s got the wife, he’s got a happy family, and as you know, it takes time. It takes focus away."
Bayless suggested that Wilson became too focused on Hollywood and entertainment, losing dedication to the game. As Johnson and Bayless debated where Wilson would play next, Bayless suggested that Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin could be the perfect guy to fix Wilson.
"You passed over one team; I'm going to throw this out. I am the biggest Mike Tomlin fan, and while I am almost certain that Russ would not fit with Antonio [Pierce], Mike's been doing this for a long time because he was your coach once upon a time in Tampa as an assistant coach. Is it possible that Mike would be the one guy who would say, 'You know what, I'm a defensive coach. I'm not going to try and coach him schematically or technically, but I can coach him emotionally?'"
With the Broncos now parting ways with the former Super Bowl champion, the Steelers find themselves in an enviable position to pursue Wilson. This turn of events presents a golden opportunity for the Steelers to strengthen their roster with a player of Wilson's caliber, potentially at a significantly reduced cost.
Recent reports circulating within NFL circles indicate that Wilson could potentially be available for the veteran minimum salary, an astonishingly low figure of $1.21 million. Such a bargain price for a player of Wilson's stature, boasting a Super Bowl ring and numerous accolades, represents a rare opportunity for any team, let alone the Steelers.
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Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson.
For fans of the Steelers, the mere thought of Wilson donning the black and gold jersey is enough to spark excitement and anticipation. Wilson's track record of success, combined with his former ability to elevate the offense, makes him a coveted asset for Pittsburgh as they strive to return to championship contention.
As negotiations progress and the offseason unfolds, the spotlight will undoubtedly shine brightly on Pittsburgh as they deliberate on the possibility of adding Wilson to their roster. The potential addition of one of the NFL's most dynamic and electrifying talents has the potential to reshape the Steelers' prospects for the upcoming season and beyond - if he has anything left in the tank.
Steelers Have A Legit Chance With Russell Wilson
The idea of Wilson joining the Steelers, promises to inject a fascinating dynamic into the team's roster and aspirations for the 2024 season. Despite being 35 years old, Wilson's proven talent and leadership could provide the Steelers with the missing ingredient needed to mount a serious Super Bowl run.
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Former Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll, left, and Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, right, shake hands on the field after a game.
His wealth of experience, combined with the strategic prowess of Tomlin, creates an intriguing synergy that could propel the team to new heights. Despite his age, Wilson has shown a little sign of life as he started playing solid football before being benched due to a contract dispute, leaving room for optimism among fans and analysts alike.
Before free agency begins next week, the Broncos have given soon-to-be-released quarterback Russell Wilson permission to immediately begin speaking and meeting with other teams in their home cities, per sources. Wilson’s free agency begins now. pic.twitter.com/PyXei2q6Tm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2024
Notably, sports personality Bayless has touted a potential partnership between Wilson and Tomlin as a recipe for success, suggesting that it could reignite the glory days for both the Steelers and their prospective quarterback. If this union materializes, it could mark the beginning of an exciting era for Steelers football, filled with renewed hope and championship aspirations. On Wednesday, it was reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter that Wilson now has permission to immediately begin speaking and meeting with other teams. Steelers fans may have their answer sooner rather than later.
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