The prospect of the Pittsburgh Steelers signing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson is becoming more and more real by the hour. It was reported by Gerry Dulac on Thursday that there was a mutual interest between the organization and the former Super Bowl-winning signal-caller. It was apparently very real as Wilson was spotted at an airport on Friday getting ready to board a flight to the Steel City.
The News Tribune
Former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson greets former Steelers wideout Juju Smith-Schuster after a regular season matchup at Heinz Field.
The most recent update comes from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. He noted on X that the quarterback was seen at Newark International Airport in New Jersey taking pictures with fans.
Free agent QB Russell Wilson, who has permission to visit teams now, was spotted this morning at a Newark Airport catching a flight to Pittsburgh to visit the #Steelers, said a source who saw him take pics and hang out with fans before boarding the flight. pic.twitter.com/CorG3n2bLH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2024
It is unknown what the Steelers true intentions are with Wilson. The goal could be to convince him to be a backup behind Kenny Pickett, but that's an unlikely scenario. The veteran is probably hungry for a chance to win one more Super Bowl and with the talented offense in Pittsburgh paired with a ferocious defense, he may legitimately believe that can be done with Head Coach Mike Tomlin leading the way.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A8195-544x306.jpg "Steelers Mike Tomlin")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin roams the grounds as his team warms up at the annual night practice during 2023 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
This all makes things very interesting in the Steelers' quarterback room. Mason Rudolph was supposed to be desired back in the black and gold. Either that was all a facade by the team's brass, or they are getting the idea that Rudolph will be moving on to somewhere else in 2024. Regardless, the possibility of Wilson ending up in Pittsburgh is becoming all the more real.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic added to Rapoport's update on the status of Wilson. There is not doubt that the Steelers are aggressively pursuing the future Hall of Fame candidate.
Former Bronco QB Russell Wilson will travel to Pittsburgh for an in-person visit to meet with the Steelers’ front office brass and head coach Mike Tomlin. They are expected to gather in the next 24 hours.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 8, 2024
It's a legitimate possibility that the Steelers agree to a deal with Wilson prior to the Monday. That would all but send Rudolph packing and pose an unique situation with Pickett.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A6683-544x306.jpg "Steelers Kenny Pickett Cam Heyward")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers signal-caller, Kenny Pickett (#8) runs onto the field during a 2023 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
For those wondering what Wilson was doing in New Jersey. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that he was in the area for an initial meeting with the New York Giants.
Before traveling to Pittsburgh today, Russell Wilson stopped in New Jersey for what one source described as “an exploratory meeting” with the Giants, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2024
Wilson is in Pittsburgh today to meet with the Steelers, per sources. pic.twitter.com/gylDU9uNBk
Steelers Won't Likely Be Bringing Wilson In To Be A Backup
This could very well be Wilson's team if he is signed by Pittsburgh before free agency begins. The Denver Broncos are on the hook for a boatload of money the veteran quarterback could sign for the league minimum. This would be bad news for Pickett, who doesn't exactly get reassurance that the organization has faith in him to be the future at the position.
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