The Pittsburgh Steelers had a unique opportunity during the 2024 offseason. They had the chance to sign a 12-year veteran at the quarterback position in Russell Wilson for just over $1 million. It's rare a team gets to sign a perennial Pro Bowler for next to nothing, but thanks to Wilson's fractured relationship with the Denver Broncos the Steelers were able to make an upgrade at quarterback. Wilson also met with the New York Giants in free agency, but ultimately chose Mike Tomlin and the Steelers.
Gabriel Christus
Former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson signing with the Steelers was the first big splash of the 2024 offseason for the organization.
Pittsburgh acquired a Super Bowl-winning quarterback for next to nothing because he is still getting paid by the Broncos. They are paying him to essentially play elsewhere. Wilson was benched before the 2023 season ended, but not for poor play. He and Head Coach Sean Payton did not get along, and Payton wanted to go in a separate direction. Pittsburgh receiver Calvin Austin III made a recent radio appearance and he discussed Wilson's motivation to play the Broncos in 2024.
"Think so. I definitely think so. We play them at their house next year, so that'll be one we have to get for Russ for sure. He was probably like, 'I gotta play [the Broncos] next year'."
Pittsburgh is scheduled to take on the Broncos early in the 2024 season, as they will fly to Denver for a Week 2 matchup. Wilson should definitely hold a grudge for the way he was treated under Payton. He played well in 2024, but was benched and eventually released because he refused to take the injury clause out of his contract. Basically, Wilson would get guaranteed money if he got hurt. Payton and the organization didn't like that, so they benched him.
John Froschauer / AP
Quarterback Russell Wilson leaves the field after a loss to the Seattle Seahawks at the start of the 2022 NFL season.
It was clear Payton wanted to start over with a younger quarterback and Wilson was not a part of his future plans. When Wilson originally arrived in Denver, it was when Nathaniel Hackett was the head coach. He was fired after the first season, and in came Payton. Wilson will now be able to get revenge in Week 2, which is a game the Steelers should win fairly easily.
Wilson's first year with the Broncos in 2022 was filled with struggle. He performed poorly as did the team, which resulted in Hackett's dismissal. The team showed improvements in 2023 under Payton, and Wilson was quietly one of the better quarterback in the NFL for most of the 2023 season. He finished the year with 26 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions.
The quarterback is now entering his 13th season in the league, and first in Pittsburgh. This is likely his last chance to be a starting quarterback, as he needs a career resurgence with the Steelers. He has expressed a desire to receive a second contract with the Steelers, but that will only come with a strong performance.
Chicago Bears
Quarterback Justin Fields celebrates after a scoring play during a Chicago Bears' game.
Steelers' Wilson Will Have Justin Fields On His Heels
Wilson wasn't the only quarterback Pittsburgh added during the 2024 offseason, as they acquired Justin Fields in a trade with the Chicago Bears. Fields has less experience, but is already in need of a career revival as well. Wilson is the presumed starter for the 2024 season, but Fields will be given a chance to compete for the starting gig during training camp.
Sitting behind Wilson and learning isn't a bad idea for Fields, but he has expressed a strong desire in being a starter. He is still a young player, so if the Steelers give him a chance and he succeeds, Pittsburgh may have a new franchise quarterback. The quarterback situation in Pittsburgh is questionable as the team prepares for the 2024 season, but there will be an upgrade at the position over last year.
What do you think about Austin's comments on Wilson's motivation? Let us know in the comments below!
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