Steelers’ Russell Wilson Has It Easy Because Of Kenny Pickett’s Struggles: "Don’t Need Him To Be DangeRuss"

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, hoping he would become the future of the franchise. However, after two seasons, Pickett has been traded, and the Steelers have completely revamped their quarterback room.

Pickett faced challenges under former Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada. After Canada was fired, Pickett had one of the best games of his career. Unfortunately, in the next game against the Arizona Cardinals, Pickett got injured and never played another game for Pittsburgh. Mitch Trubisky struggled when he replaced Pickett, leading the Steelers to turn to Mason Rudolph. Rudolph stepped up and led the team back to the playoffs.

Following the season, the Steelers signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum. They also traded for another quarterback, Justin Fields. Wilson is set to start, with Fields as his backup. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly wrote in an article on The Athletic that Wilson has it easier because of the struggles Pickett faced.

“Wilson isn’t the player he was in Seattle — we can all agree on that — but the Steelers don’t need him to be DangeRuss or even ‘Let Russ Cook.’ If he makes some of the easy throws that Kenny Pickett routinely missed last year, a middling offense — led by a more accomplished coordinator in Arthur Smith — could turn into one that could win games.”

Wilson was one of the best quarterbacks in the league during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, even leading them to a Super Bowl victory. While Kaboly believes Wilson is no longer at his peak, he sees a clear and relatively easy path for Wilson to thrive, largely due to the struggles attributed to Pickett. In the 2023 season, Pickett missed several easy throws. Kaboly is confident that Wilson can make those throws and capitalize where Pickett could not.

“Wilson’s leadership has been on display since the first day he stepped into the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, and that can’t be ignored," wrote Kaboly. "Mike Tomlin values that in his quarterback, and it might be Wilson’s best attribute entering his 13th season at age 35.”

Since news broke about the Steelers bringing in Wilson, he has demonstrated incredible leadership. He rallied some of his new teammates for early workouts and reached out to others, with many stating that his energy and motivation have inspired the team.

It's no secret that Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin values a quarterback who can lead. Kaboly believes Wilson's leadership ability is his best trait heading into the 2024 season. 

Tomlin, one of the best head coaches in the game and an exemplary leader of men, seems to have formed a great bond with Wilson. Tomlin appears more excited and confident about this upcoming season than in previous years, largely due to his trust in Wilson.

Steelers' Quarterbacks Struggled Big Time In 2023

The Steelers' quarterbacks struggled in 2023, with Pickett, Trubisky, and Rudolph combining for just 13 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. It was a tough year for the quarterback room, saved only slightly by Rudolph. All three quarterbacks from 2023 are no longer with the team. In contrast, Wilson threw for 26 touchdown passes and eight interceptions last season, doubling the Steelers' output. However, Wilson struggled to translate his productive stats into winning football games.

Many Steelers fans believe that if Wilson can keep the offense moving, something the team struggled with in 2023, Pittsburgh could surprise everyone in 2024. The Steelers' quarterback situation has been a major topic this offseason and will continue to be a key storyline throughout the upcoming season. If Wilson thrives, Pittsburgh might consider keeping him beyond this season. If he struggles, the Steelers could turn to Fields.

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