Russell Wilson already is bonding with several of his would-be receivers with the Steelers. But they’re working out in San Diego, far away from Pittsburgh.
Tight end Pat Freiermuth recently shared the details about what the newest Steelers quarterback was doing to get better acquainted with his new teammates and offense.
“I was just down there in San Diego with him working out and throwing routes,” Freiermuth told Around The 412. “He’s been great at talking to guys and starting to build that connection. He’s a great guy. You can tell the drive and determination that he has to win and come to Pittsburgh and win some playoff games for us. I think he is going to fit our culture and locker room very well.”
Freiermuth said that Van Jefferson, whom the Steelers recently signed, and Calvin Austin, who is headed into his third season in Pittsburgh, joined Wilson in Southern California.
Getting to work out near the Pacific Ocean is one perk Steelers receivers can enjoy from Pittsburgh signing Wilson. The quarterback and his wife, Ciara, own several posh homes. The couple’s home base is in Rancho Santa Fe, which is just outside San Diego. The property used to be an eight-acre equestrian farm. But when Wilson bought it in 2013, he converted some of the land into a football field.
Since then, Wilson has invited his receivers to join him for offseason workouts in Southern California. It’s an idyllic way to learn a route tree.
Steelers revamped their QB depth chart over past month
The Steelers signed the 35-year-old Wilson to a one-year contract after the Broncos officially released the quarterback. Because Denver still has to pay him more than $38 million this season, Pittsburgh landed the nine-time Pro Bowler for a steal. Wilson will make the league veteran minimum.
In addition, the Steelers also traded for Justin Fields, who started the past three seasons for the Bears. They also signed journeyman Kyle Allen to fill out the retooled quarterback depth chart. All the new QBs likely are pointing towards the start of OTAs and mini camp. But they still have several weeks before the action starts.
Pittsburgh recently confirmed some of these dates. The Steelers will conduct OTAs on May 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30th. They’ll continue with dates on June 3, 4, 5 and 6th.
In addition, mandatory mini camp is set for June 11, 12 and 13th.
Meanwhile, back to Freiermuth. The tight end is in the final year of his contract. So it’s a money year. He’d like to stay where he is.
“I want to be in Pittsburgh for the rest of my career,” Freiermuth said. “Hopefully, it shakes out that way. I want to continue to play for Pittsburgh because it reminds me of where I’m from and how I was raised. Growing up and going through the hard times and good times together. I feel like the Pittsburgh media and fanbase and everyone kind of does that together. I feel very at peace and very comfortable in Pittsburgh.”
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