The curious case of Russell Wilson continues to spark conversation and debate as the 13th-year veteran continues his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Perhaps the third time truly is the charm as the 36-year-old is set to debut in the black and yellow in 2024, his third NFL team in four years.
The Denver Broncos released Wilson after a bizarre and disappointing two years, but they were still responsible for the $37.8 million guaranteed portion of his 2024 salary. Meanwhile, the Steelers happily obliged Wilson with a team-friendly $1.2M veteran minimum for one year.
Last week, the Steelers doubled down on remodeling their quarterback room, trading for former first-round pick Justin Fields with the Chicago Bears. Pittsburgh also dealt its own former first-round QB Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles at the request of the 25-year-old, who was reportedly disgruntled with the team’s acquisition of Wilson.
Maybe Steelers Nation and the rest of the ‘Team 3’ fans should pump the brakes on Wilson, who may not even make it through training camp. ESPN’s Adam Schefter appeared on NFL Live this week and gave the lay of the quarterback land in Pittsburgh.
“Russell Wilson is the starter going into training camp, and Justin Fields is the backup," Schefter said.
“They can appoint Russell Wilson the starter, they can say Fields is the backup,” Schefter continued. "The fact of the matter is they have the luxury of letting this play out during camp and doing whatever is best for that football team. There is no commitment, obligation, loyalty to any one of these guys. They didn't pay very much for either one of them. I even had an executive say if Justin Fields outplayed him during training camp, they could see them moving on from him before the season."
In seasons past, QBs like Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph produced underwhelming and frustrating performances leaving many to wonder how this season’s competition will shake out in Pittsburgh. Just like the Broncos' current QB room, the Steelers are left with two signal-callers in the room — Wilson and Fields — both of whom will be competing for starting reps.
"Think about the investment that they have in each player," Schefter said. "They essentially are giving Russell Wilson $1.2 million, while the Denver Broncos are paying him almost $38 million this year. Very little investment. They gave up a conditional 2025 sixth-round draft pick for Justin Fields. Very little investment.”
Schefter's suggestion is a bombshell from one of the most respected insiders on the NFL landscape. After all, Wilson compiled a pathetic 11-19 career record with the Broncos and passed for 42 touchdowns to 19 interceptions while taking 100 sacks and being responsible for 16 fumbles.
Expectations in Pittsburgh can't be too high, considering Wilson's diminished NFL cache. As the offseason continues, Wilson Watch will only intensify as the Steelers aim for a career revival with Russ, with very little on the line and a fall-back option waiting in the wings.
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