Former All-Pro claims to know where QB Russell Wilson will play next

Russell Wilson is still under contract with the Denver Broncos, but the belief is that they will part ways with the 12-year veteran after back-to-back losing seasons. 

If that's the case, several teams will likely be interested in him. But former All-Pro wide receiver Chad Johnson seems to think he already knows where Wilson will play next.

"A little birdie told me, and I said this many shows ago, Russell Wilson's coming on over to the Steelers," Johnson said on his "Nightcap" podcast with Shannon Sharpe.

In 2022, Denver traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, QB Drew Lock, TE Noah Fant and defensive lineman Shelby Harris to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Wilson and a fourth-round pick. The team followed up the deal by handing him a five-year, $242.5 million contract.

It's safe to say it didn't work out, and now Pittsburgh could become the benefactors of the fall out.

Wilson hasn't played as well as he did with the Seahawks, who he led to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory. But he took strides in 2023, passing for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. It wasn't good enough for the Broncos, who benched him in Week 15. But should it be good enough for the Steelers?

The quick answer is that he's better than any quarterback on the roster as of now. 

Kenny Pickett has thrown just 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 25 games. And although Mason Rudolph finished the year strong, passing for 945 yards, five touchdowns and one interception in Pittsburgh's final four games (including postseason), it's pretty clear what his ceiling is.

Wilson could help the Steelers contend for a Super Bowl right away, but he will turn 36 next season and his best days a clearly behind him.

Taking a swing on Bears QB Justin Fields or a rookie in the 2024 NFL Draft would be the better long play. But that is, of course, up to the preference of those in Pittsburgh.