The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly highly interested in bringing in former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson. This news was reported on Thursday by Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Subsequently, on Friday, Wilson flew to Pittsburgh to meet with the organization.
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Former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (#3) scrambles out of the pocket during a professional football game.
Reports have indicated that Wilson's meeting with the Steelers was exceptionally fruitful, extending over several hours. Within this considerable timeframe, Wilson utilized the opportunity to delve deep into discussions, covering various aspects of the team's strategies and aspirations. Notably, a significant portion of these discussions was dedicated to engaging with the Steelers' new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith.
Wilson's extensive dialogue with Smith likely was aimed to align their visions for the team's offensive approach and establish a strong rapport. This extended interaction underscores the thoroughness with which Wilson approached his visit to Pittsburgh, highlighting his keen interest in potentially joining the organization and making a substantial impact.
"The pick should be the Pittsburgh Steelers"@BuckyBrooks says big wins in the Steel City could help Russ get a Gold Jacket 👀 pic.twitter.com/gQtFdBeS6u
— NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) March 9, 2024
Bucky Brooks, a former professional football player turned analyst, made a compelling statement on NFL Total Access regarding Wilson's potential signing. According to Brooks, the decision of where Wilson should sign is a no-brainer. His argument revolves around the significant impact Wilson winning in Pittsburgh could have on his Hall of Fame potential.
"But to me, the pick should be the Pittsburgh Steelers if I were Russell Wilson. One, Mike Tomlin always finds a way to field a winning team. This is a storied franchise, and if Russell Wilson is thinking about his legacy and trying to maybe rejuvenate some of the conversation about him being a Hall of Famer, if he goes and wins at a major level in Pittsburgh, you know it’ll give him an opportunity to size himself up for a gold jacket."
Before signing a five-year, $242 million contract with the Broncos, Wilson was well on his way to Hall of Fame status. He boasts nine Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl championship. With a career record of 115-72-1 as a starter, Wilson's prowess on the field is undeniable. During his 158 games with the Seattle Seahawks, he amassed 37,059 passing yards, completed 65% of his passes, and threw for 292 touchdowns with only 87 interceptions. Furthermore, he holds a commendable postseason record of 9-7.
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Former Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson with his family being introduced to the team
While his prior achievements were commendable, Wilson's tenure with the Broncos has been marked by struggles. The media has ridiculed him, and Sean Payton has singled him out as the scapegoat. Despite gaining some momentum in 2023, Wilson found himself benched due to his unwillingness to renegotiate his contract.
Steelers And Russell Wilson Both Desperate To Redeem Themselves
Now, the Steelers could potentially have the opportunity to sign Wilson for the veteran minimum, pending agreement from both parties. The prospect of Wilson becoming the Steelers' quarterback at 35 years old is both exhilarating and somewhat daunting. Despite his recent struggles, he managed to excel in terms of production as a passer even in a challenging situation.
Ron Chenoy / USA Today Sports, via Reuters
Russell Wilson raises his arms in the air during a game as a Denver Bronco.
With the Steelers' new offensive coordinator and the talent they possess at the running back and wide receiver positions, the Steelers' offense, bolstered by Wilson, could truly start to flourish. It will be intriguing to observe the developments and whether the Steelers can indeed secure a deal with Wilson. The Steelers have endured struggles, failing to secure a playoff victory since the 2016 season. Wilson's recent years with the Broncos have overshadowed his potential as a formidable quarterback in the league. Now, two established entities, the Steelers and Wilson, are potentially poised to reclaim their prominence.
This prospect is promising for Steelers fans, offering them hope as Wilson seeks redemption. Brooks suggests that Wilson's situation in Pittsburgh might be the catalyst he needs to reestablish himself as a contender for the Hall of Fame. While the extent of Wilson's abilities and his potential performance in Pittsburgh remains uncertain, it's evident that Wilson stands as the best available quarterback option at an optimal cost. Steeler Nation eagerly awaits to see if Pittsburgh indeed secures his services.
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