The Pittsburgh Steelers made waves this offseason by making significant moves in their quarterback department, notching up not one, but two notable acquisitions. It all kicked off with the decision to sign Russell Wilson to a one-year deal, valued at the veteran minimum. The announcement of securing the services of a nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl-winning quarterback in Wilson sent ripples of excitement through Steeler Nation. While opinions among Steelers fans are divided regarding this move, the overwhelming majority appear eager to witness what Wilson, now 35 years old, can bring to the table.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson during his time with the Broncos.
Wilson's arrival in Pittsburgh follows a stint with the Denver Broncos, where he encountered challenges over two seasons after signing a lucrative contract with the team. With the Broncos still footing a significant portion of his salary, the Steelers managed to secure his services for the 2024 season at a bargain price of just $1.21 million.
Adding to the offseason buzz, Steelers stalwart Cam Heyward made a guest appearance on The Rich Eisen Show alongside host Jim Jackson, discussing the team's offseason maneuvers and setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing season ahead.
"We were losing quarterbacks left and right. Mason Rudolph had just left. Mitch Trubisky was gone. I thought there was gonna be a competition there between [Rudolph] and Kenny [Pickett]."
Heyward expressed astonishment at the rapid turnover in quarterbacks within the Steelers organization. He was taken aback by the swift departure of both Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph, believing that the team was poised for a legitimate competition between the two.
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However, the unforeseen turn of events, with Pickett requesting a trade and Rudolph opting for free agency, caught Heyward off guard and left him surprised by the sudden shakeup in the quarterback landscape for the Steelers. Heyward made it clear that he's excited about the future with Wilson as his quarterback.
"But now, going forward, you just look for the leadership [Russell Wilson has] had. A guy who's been in Seattle, who's won games, won the Super Bowl already. Didn't have the best time in Denver, but I think he's a hungry guy who's ready to prove a lot of people wrong."
Heyward recognizes the invaluable asset that Wilson brings to the Steelers as a seasoned veteran with extensive experience spanning all facets of the NFL. Having weathered the highs and lows of the league, Wilson's wealth of knowledge and understanding is poised to serve as a guiding light for the younger players on the Steelers' offensive roster.
"But I think on the opposite side of the ball, we have so many great weapons. Some of them are younger, so having a more established guy who has been through it is gonna benefit the group. I think it's about growth. Whether it's adjusting to the needs of the game, or understanding that, hey, we might need you to go on a run a little bit, we might need you to score some points."
In a season where the Kansas City Chiefs seemed vulnerable, they ultimately emerged victorious in the Super Bowl. However, Heyward highlighted an intriguing point: Wilson and his team managed to defeat Patrick Mahomes during the 2023 season, underscoring the potential his new quarterback has.
"Not many people beat Patrick Mahomes last year, but Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos did last year. I know it's not one guy that gets it done, but Russ has done it in this game and knows how to beat top competition."
The Steelers find themselves uncertain about what to expect from Wilson. While some question whether he's past his prime and view this opportunity as his last chance to prove himself as an elite quarterback in the league, others remain cautiously optimistic. Heyward, for one, eagerly anticipates Wilson's potential revenge tour in Pittsburgh during the 2024 season, hopeful that Wilson will rise to the occasion and silence his doubters.
Steelers' Quarterback Room Is Going To Remain A Popular Topic
The Steelers also made a significant move by trading for Justin Fields, adding another dimension to their quarterback room. With Fields at 25 years old and Wilson at 35, the Steelers now have a blend of youth and experience at the quarterback position. While Wilson is slated to be the starter, the ever-changing landscape of the NFL means that nothing is set in stone.
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Steelers quarterbacks Russell Wilson (left) and Justin Fields (right) meet after a game with their prior respective teams.
Some pundits speculate whether Wilson will hold onto the starting role throughout the season, sparking lively debate in the media about how the Steelers will navigate their quarterback situation.
Despite the uncertainty, Wilson expresses enthusiasm about collaborating with Fields. At present, the Steelers seem to have cultivated a positive and dynamic quarterback room. The unfolding dynamics within this room will undoubtedly be a focal point of interest as fans eagerly anticipate how it will shape the team's performance and victories in the upcoming 2024 season.
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