The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines early Monday morning with the announcement of the signing of former Denver Broncos quarterback, Russell Wilson, to a one-year deal. This news reverberated throughout the NFL community, marking a significant move for the Steelers and their fans.
Ron Chenoy / USA TODAY Sports
Russell Wilson during a game with the Denver Broncos.
Wilson's arrival injects a new level of excitement and anticipation into the Steelers' upcoming season, as his proven talent and leadership on the field are widely acknowledged. While the move may have come as somewhat shocking to some, given Wilson's storied tenure with the Seattle Seahawks and recent failed stint with the Broncos, it's undeniably a game-changer for the Steelers.
Shane Roper / USA TODAY
Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson playing against the Dallas Cowboys.
On his show Undisputed, Skip Bayless dissected the Steelers' acquisition of Wilson, emphasizing the magnitude of the deal. Bayless expressed his astonishment at the Steelers securing a quarterback of Wilson's caliber for what he deemed an incredible price.
"This is an all-time steal of a deal. It only costs Pittsburgh $1.2 million. The veteran minimum to get a quarterback who's been to nine Pro Bowls and two Super Bowls."
The deal is seen as essentially risk-free for Pittsburgh, offering them an opportunity to leverage Wilson's skills without a long-term commitment, making it a strategic and potentially transformative move for the franchise. Bayless further stated that he still feels Wilson is the middle of his prime simply because of what he saw Tom Brady do.
"I'm gonna put in front of his age, 35, I'm gonna put an only 35 because in this age we live in, after what we saw Tom Brady do at 45. Once upon a time, I would've said you're on the downside. He could still be in his prime at age 35."
Comparing Wilson to Brady is a little bit laughable, but it's not as silly as it seems. While Brady's ability to excel well into his later years showcases his unparalleled work ethic, dedication to nutrition, and commitment to the sport, it doesn't entirely differentiate from Wilson's unique qualities.
Wilson, at 35 years old, remains one of the most dedicated quarterbacks in today's game. Although he may not boast the same prowess he did during his time with the Seahawks, he's far from being past his prime. This was evident in 2023 when he threw 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions before being sidelined due to contract disputes.
"Russ went through a lot last year and I think he got humiliated by the benching. 'Cause he is a star, and he's married to a star, and he's got star power," Bayless said. "Because of that, I think he's gonna come into Pittsburgh with a little chip on his shoulder."
Wilson harbors resentment towards the Broncos for scapegoating him during his two seasons with the team, leaving a sour taste in his mouth. Despite this, before his benching, Wilson was beginning to resemble his former self on the field. However, the Broncos continued to face challenges with Wilson as their quarterback. Now, he's enthusiastic about joining Pittsburgh and demonstrating that he's still the Super Bowl-winning quarterback he once was.
Steelers Made A Greater Investment On Mitch Trubisky Than Russell Wilson
Comparing the signing of Wilson to the Steelers' previous investment in Mitch Trubisky, it's worth noting that Pittsburgh paid considerably more for Trubisky, a quarterback with a less distinguished track record compared to Wilson's illustrious resume.
This analysis underscores the perceived value and strategic advantage the Steelers gained through this transaction, portraying it as a savvy move with potentially game-changing implications for the team's future.
SHELLY LIPTON / GETTY
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett scrambles out of the pocket during a regular season game at Acrisure Stadium.
Since the end of the season, the Steelers have been swirling in quarterback rumors, leaving Steeler Nation eagerly awaiting confirmation of their 2024 quarterback. While it's touted as an open competition, the prevailing sentiment suggests that Wilson is the frontrunner to edge out Kenny Pickett for the position. Nonetheless, regardless of the outcome, this situation presents low-risk, high-reward potential for the Steelers.
#SteelerNation
