Steelers' Answers To Offensive Leadership Questions Might Be Answered With Russell Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers overhauled their quarterback room this offseason. It created buzz among everyone from players and coaches, to fans and the media. While it feels like it answers questions that arose when Kenny Pickett was under center, adding Russell Wilson and Justin Fields didn't solve every problem. 

During the almost two seasons in which Pickett was the starting quarterback, it felt like the team lacked offensive leadership. They were a very young group of players, and most positions had experienced significant turnover during the past few seasons. This meant the longtime veteran the team was used to having didn't exist.

That leaves a question about who will lead the Steelers' offense in the 2024 season. On a recent episode of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Christopher Carter's show, The North Shore Drive podcast, he was joined by fellow reporter Ray Fittipaldo to discuss the concerns surrounding leadership. 

Carter said every offense needs a player who helps the whole group come together and pushes them toward success. While Wilson has been given "pole position" by Tomlin to start at quarterback, Carter points out there is a possibility that he might lose the job to Fields. Carter also mentions that both quarterbacks are only on one-year contracts, so does it make sense for either of them to lead?

"I think it almost has to be Russell Wilson," said Fittipaldo. "You know Mike Tomlin came out and named him the starter after Justin Fields was acquired in that trade. If you look at the way the Steelers have cultivated leadership during Mike Tomlin's era, it doesn't have to be a singular captain. Last year, it could have been Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris, but Mike Tomlin didn't do that."

Fittipaldo explained that many misunderstand how captaincy voting works. While it is true that players vote on the captains, Tomlin makes the ultimate decision. If Tomlin wants someone to be captain, then they are captain.  

As far as running back Najee Harris goes, Fittipaldo doesn't see him being a captain again in 2024. Harris was a captain in 2022, but not in 2023. Fittipaldo thinks that Harris' current contract situation will play into that. Fittipaldo said he isn't discounting the impact of quiet leaders like Isaac Seumalo and Pat Freiermuth. 

"Not by default, but I think Russell Wilson is earning this. He's been a full participant throughout all OTAs. He is scheduled to be at minicamp; he's doing all the right things to put himself in a position to be that guy. It's not that I think the Steelers are devoid of leadership after him, I just don't think there's a slam dunk candidate to be a captain for anyone other than Russell Wilson. If there's anybody on this offense that's done it, he's the guy. He's won a Super Bowl, he's been a nine-time Pro Bowler."

Carter agrees with Fittipaldo that teams need both quiet and outspoken leaders, pointing to the defense as an example. Cameron Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick are vocal leaders of that group, while T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith display incredible work ethic and lead by example.

Wilson is already participating in activities all over the city and getting involved. He wants to be the leader that brings a Lombardi Trophy back to Pittsburgh, and he is doing all he can to earn the respect of his teammates and the city. 

Steelers' Russell Wilson Earning Fans' Love

Ever since he signed his contract in Pittsburgh, Wilson has been putting in the extra work. He has been all over the city, attending concerts, Pittsburgh Pirates games, and getting involved with charity events. He has also been working out with his teammates every chance he gets. 

When Wilson left the Denver Broncos, he left with a scarlet letter "D for diva" on his jersey. This talk really started after he married pop star Ciara, but snowballed after he struggled to perform in the Mile High City. 

The diva mentality doesn't work well in blue-collar Pittsburgh, and apparently, Wilson knows that. He has been working overtime to show the city and his teammates that he isn't that guy. It appears to be working, as his fellow Steelers are signing his praises. 

What do you think about leadership on offense? Click to comment below!

#SteelerNation