The Pittsburgh Steelers have a massive question that needs to be answered when it comes to who is going to be starting at quarterback in 2024. While the most obvious answer appears to be Kenny Pickett, former Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver, Chad Johnson leaked some insight into something he heard about who's going to be the Steelers' quarterback in 2024.
Steelers Likely To Bring Russell Wilson To Pittsburgh According To Chad Johnson
Johnson on his podcast Nightcap with Shannon Sharpe, was eager to state something he heard recently about Russell Wilson joining the Steelers.
"We got to work on the Steelers now. A little birdie told me, and I said this many shows ago, Russell Wilson's coming on over to the Steelers."
In March of 2022, Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos, marking a significant shift in his NFL journey. This transition was followed by a momentous decision in September of the same year when he inked a monumental five-year, $242.5 million contract extension. However, the jubilation of the contract extension was overshadowed by tumultuous events towards the end of the 2023 season.
Reports surfaced, revealing that Wilson had been benched, stirring up controversy as it emerged that the decision stemmed from his reluctance to restructure his contract. This unexpected turn of events left Wilson stunned and disheartened, as the notion of reconciling with the Broncos seemed bleak. With this door closing, speculation swirled about Wilson's next move in the NFL.
During his tenure with the Broncos, Wilson's performance was marked by a mixed bag of outcomes. Despite a commendable effort, his record stood at 11-19, with 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. Amidst this backdrop, the Steelers found themselves entangled in a whirlwind of quarterback rumors during the offseason, with whispers of potential acquisitions brewing behind closed doors.
Johnson has expressed an immense amount of confidence in his sentiments. He boldly asserted that Wilson would grace Pittsburgh's roster in the upcoming 2024 season. Compared to other potential quarterback acquisitions like Justin Fields or Kirk Cousins, obtaining Wilson seems like a more viable option, likely without the hefty price tag or draft picks.
Although Wilson's glory days reminiscent of his Super Bowl win with the Seattle Seahawks may be in the rearview mirror, there's no denying his recent prowess on the field before his benching. At 35 years old, Wilson's mobility may have waned slightly, but his knack for evading tackles and making crucial plays still persists. He was sort of finding his stride with the Broncos and had looked solid before being benched.
The Steelers have stated that they feel confident in Pickett and don't want to move on from him too quickly. However, in the NFL, things can change in a matter of a second. Johnson believes he has heard something and he's confident enough to state what he's heard on multiple podcasts now.
Pickett has demonstrated his knack for securing victories on the field, yet his performance as a quarterback has left much to be desired. His statistical performance lags behind that of other quarterbacks in his age group and across the league, drawing concern from Steelers fans who are growing increasingly frustrated with his apparent stagnation in development.
While Wilson's arrival may not herald a long-term solution, it presents an opportunity for Pickett to glean wisdom and refine his skills under Wilson's tutelage. With a seasoned roster and Wilson at the helm, the Steelers would stand poised for success, offering the best chance to vie for victory in the immediate future.
The Steelers' aspirations for championship glory in Pittsburgh hinge not only on their defensive prowess, but also on finding the right quarterback to lead the team. Wilson's potential addition could provide the spark needed to reignite their championship ambitions and restore the team's legacy of success. If they don't make a move for a quarterback this offseason, then they run the serious risk of wasting another season with a talented roster.
Though Johnson's remarks are merely speculative, they prompt reflection on the information he may have received and his willingness to share it publicly.
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