Kelce Brothers Laud Steelers For Getting "Missing Piece" During Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the Russell Wilson business now. The new quarterback is set to compete for the starting job with incumbent Kenny Pickett during 2024 training camp. Pickett is not expected to beat out the nine-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion. The competition announcement prompted ESPN's Dan Orlovsky to suggest Wilson's career would be over however, if he couldn't beat out Pickett for the starting job. 

There is no shortage of opinions on the Steelers' move to bring in Wilson. Some, like Mark Kaboly from The Athletic, are not big fans of the move. The many fans of the acquisition vastly outnumber Kaboly and his ilk. On Wednesday, Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce released their latest episode of The New Heights podcast on YouTube. The Kelce brothers added their voice to those in support of Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan's move to bring in the former Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos quarterback. 

"That's a good sign for Russell," the now retired Kelce said. "The Steelers defense, just be a game-manager, baby. Game manager Russ. Don't even got to be Seattle Russ, just go out there, game-manager Russ."

Peyton Manning had a career resurgence with the Broncos after the Indianapolis Colts moved on, but was a mere shadow of himself when he won his final Super Bowl with Denver. Others have pointed out that Wilson could find late-career success as Kurt Warner was with the Arizona Cardinals. The former Philadelphia Eagles center thinks the Steelers can succeed without asking Wilson to do too much. 

Mark Schlereth from Fox Sports, who initially criticized the potential move, changed his tune on The Rich Eisen Show after the deal was inked. He put a lot of stock in Arthur Smith's offense and the Steelers' ability to resurrect his career. Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro Kelce brother agreed that recreating the Seattle dynamic for Wilson could be a good recipe for Wilson.

"He had a similar situation in Seattle," Travis chimed in. "Great defense, get you a run game, got Najee Harris right there to hand that ball off to and got a young tight end in Pat Freiermuth and a bunch of good young wide receivers. Hopefully, we see him have more success knowing that the Broncos wasn't his best time spent." 

The Steelers' running game with Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris proved they were highly capable weapons in 2023, and an upgrade at quarterback would make them even more dangerous. Pat Freiermuth should thrive in Smith's offense, and George Pickens will be the best receiver Wilson has thrown to since DK Metcalf. Unfortunately, Wilson will not get a chance to throw to Diontae Johnson, who was traded to the Carolina Panthers for Donte Jackson on Tuesday. 

"Russell gets to start fresh here in Pittsburgh. He’s had proven success in the past,” Jason said. This is like the only missing piece right now in Pittsburgh. If Russ is even close to the quarterback he used to be, this is an extremely dangerous team with what they’re working with on the defensive side of the ball.”

There is no question that the Steelers had to try something different in 2024 to get different results. Wilson will be the agent of that change, barring a disaster. It gives the Steelers a fresh start with the potential to move on from Pickett, and Wilson gets the opportunity to reboot his career. The younger Kelce brother expressed that Wilson's skills may be better than people give him credit for based on his up-close observations in divisional play. 

"I don't even know if it's what he used to be," Travis replied. "He was still balling in Denver at times. I've seen him dissect some teams and make some good throws. We lost to Denver in Denver last year. I think Russ has a lot of good football left in him. Steelers definitely just got better."

The Kelce brothers believe Pittsburgh is better now with Wilson than without him. They are both All-Pro caliber players who are completely sold on the move. Even the most contrarian opinion can not argue that the current version of Pickett is a better option than Wilson on the field. 

Steelers Are All In For 2024 After Russell Wilson Signing 

The Steelers are all in with the Wilson move, and judging by the Kelce brothers' reaction, it is a good bet. There's only one thing left: saddle up Steelers fans; we are going for a ride. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Does the Kelce brothers' endorsement make you even more excited to see Wilson on the field? Please comment below or on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq. 

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