Steelers Have A “Better Chance Than Not” To Sign Russell Wilson Detailed Insider

The Pittsburgh Steelers are eyeing the acquisition of former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, as initially reported by Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Wilson made his way to Pittsburgh on Friday for a meeting with the organization. Both Wilson and the Steelers allegedly have mutual interest in the prospect of forming a partnership.

Dulac recently appeared on the Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show to delve into the topic of the Steelers' potential pursuit of Wilson. During the podcast, he shared insights regarding the likelihood of the Steelers securing Wilson's services, offering valuable perspective on the situation.

"So I think what is certain is that both sides want to meet, and if I had to guess, I would say there's a better chance than not. That might be 51-49 [percent chance], but there's other factors involved here, so I'm not gonna sit here and say, 'Yeah, it's going to happen!'"

While Dulac wasn’t willing to state it was 100% going to happen, he did indicate a level of optimism regarding Wilson potentially joining the Steelers. Although not definitively asserting the outcome, he leaned towards the likelihood with a slight preference, suggesting a notable interest from both parties. This nuanced perspective underscores the Steelers' genuine commitment to pursuing Wilson and their determination to orchestrate a successful deal.

Dulac cautiously hedged his bet, acknowledging a key factor that could potentially hinder the Steelers' acquisition of Wilson.

"So long as somebody doesn't jump in with some stupid deal, like three years, $15 million. Look, Russell Wilson comes in for a veteran minimum and you get him cheap, you can backload the second year of the contract," Dulac said. "The Steelers wouldn't give him any more than a two-year deal. If it doesn't work out after year one, you get rid of him and it doesn't cost you a penny."

Dulac underscored a crucial aspect— the Steelers aren't taking a gamble by signing Wilson. Bringing in the seasoned quarterback offers them an opportunity to secure a proven player, despite his recent struggles during his time with the Broncos and his current age of 35. Notably, Wilson's previous lucrative five-year, $242 million contract underscores the rationale behind the Steelers' interest in him.

Indeed, while the Broncos grapple with the fallout of Wilson's ill-fated contract, it presents an unexpected gift for the Steelers. They now have the opportunity to secure Wilson for the veteran minimum, minimizing their risk significantly. If they manage to achieve that, passing on the opportunity to sign Wilson would seem almost imprudent. This is likely the primary motivation driving their persistent pursuit of him.

As Dulac highlighted, in the event the Steelers bring in Wilson and things don't unfold as anticipated, there will be no negative repercussions. However, should the circumstances align favorably, it would lead to an entirely different discussion—one that would likely be regarded as a positive dilemma, indicative of the Steelers' success with him. 

Steelers Aren't Giving Up On Kenny Pickett Even If They Sign Russell Wilson

While some might interpret the Steelers' potential pursuit of Wilson as a sign of giving up on Kenny Pickett, it's quite the contrary. It signifies a recognition of the need for current change within the organization. The Steelers hardly ever do these type of things and they realize they have veterans on the roster who are running out of time. They want to optimize their roster in 2024. 

With a resilient and optimistic mindset, Pickett stands poised to excel and undergo significant growth as a quarterback amidst this challenging period. While navigating this competitive environment, he has the opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially emerge as the Steelers' starting quarterback. However, should he fall short of securing the coveted position, it could prompt a reassessment of his standing as the franchise quarterback, a debate that continues among certain members of the Steelers' staff.

As the 2024 offseason gains significant momentum, rumors and news swirl with increasing intensity. For Steelers fans, it promises to be an intriguing period as they follow developments closely, eagerly anticipating whether the team will indeed welcome the former Super Bowl champion quarterback to Pittsburgh.

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