Steelers' Interest In Russell Wilson Has Former All-Pro Wide Out And Pittsburgh Native Brandon Marshall Ecstatic

The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to meet with quarterback Russell Wilson soon in Pittsburgh. Wilson was just released by the Denver Broncos, and is on his journey to finding a new stadium to call home. With the Steelers still having uncertainty at the quarterback spot with Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh is exploring all options. After seemingly denying any possibility of signing or trading for any big names this offseason, the Steelers might have something up their sleeve after all. 

Former star NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall has chimed in on the chatter about the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh recently on his podcast. As a former Pittsburgh native, Marshall has always had a place in his heart for the Steelers, although he was never able to play in the black and gold. With that, Marshall couldn't stand to see another season with Pickett under center in Pittsburgh. Marshall is a huge fan of Wilson, and hearing that the two plan to meet ahead of free agency had the former All-Pro very excited.

"If Russell Wilson gets picked up by the Steelers, I'm taking him to the hood. I'm from Pittsburgh. I'm taking him to Larimer Ave. I'm having him on the block. He's gonna be good. If Russell Wilson gets to the Steelers, we back, baby. We back. I'm taking out my Terrible Towel. I'm sorry Jets, but this year I may have to lean black and yellow."

Marshall's excitement is shared through a lot of Pittsburgh die-hard fans. Not all, but a lot. The Steelers have found themselves in an uneasy situation. No one, not even some of Pickett's strongest believers like Head Coach Mike Tomlin, can deny that the play on the field has not been there from the quarterback. Wilson isn't the most attractive replacement, but what choice do the Steelers have? At the same time, Pickett is a first-round quarterback. It only feels right to give him one more shot.

Sure, some may point to the fact that Wilson is getting older and past his prime. Wilson's cost, however, could be next to nothing for whichever team decides to pick him up. Wilson is set to be paid $39 million this year from Denver from his contract signing after being traded to them two years ago. With that being said, the vet minimum a team would have to pay Wilson is around $1.2 million.

Wilson has been to a pair of Super Bowls and has one ring thus far in his career. He's recently stated on Marshall's podcast that he would like to reach two more Super Bowl victories. What better franchise to do that with than the Steelers? Wilson is coming off a season with Denver with 26 touchdown passes and 8 interceptions. Those numbers are significantly better than anything the Steelers have seen the past two years. 

Could Steelers Really Give Up On Pickett?

The Steelers started the 2024 offseason clearly stating that Pickett will be the starting quarterback in 2024. They did, however, say there would be competition. Bringing in Wilson, though, may or may not seem like a fair competition.

Most will assume that if Pittsburgh signs Wilson, that he will be guaranteed to be the starter under center in week one. Don't be too surprised though if Pickett somehow wins the starting job anyway. Pickett has only accounted for thirteen total passing touchdowns in his two years in the Steel City. Wilson covered twice as much as that in one season.

The Steelers front office show signs of belief and encouragement that Pickett could still be the quarterback of the future despite having a rough first two seasons. After all Pickett is still yet to be coached by a competent offensive coordinator. We all know that story. 

What do you think? How should Pittsburgh fans feel if they decide to bring in Wilson as competition for Pickett? Let us know in the comments.

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