NFL writer hypes up Russell Wilson, Steelers value deal

Regardless of what fans think of the Pittsburgh Steelers adding Denver Broncos castoff Russell Wilson to their quarterback room this month, analysts continue to speak out in favor of that decision seemingly daily. 

For a piece published Thursday, NFL writer Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports referred to the Steelers landing Wilson as arguably the top "value deal" of the opening week of free agency. 

The team-friendly contract will only cost Pittsburgh $1.2M for the 2024 season because Denver is on the hook for nearly all of the $39M owed to Wilson.

"Is Wilson past his prime? The numbers and eye test suggest as much," Benjamin acknowledged. "But Pittsburgh is literally paying him less than what the Buffalo Bills are paying Mitch Trubisky to sit behind Josh Allen." 

To compare, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero (h/t Grant Gordon) reported last week that Trubisky agreed to a two-year, $5.25M contract that includes $2.7M guaranteed for the 2024 season. 

CBS Sports NFL analyst Matt Ryan, Dan Orlovsky of ESPN, retired Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce and eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson are among those who believe Wilson can thrive playing under new Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. 

While Wilson will have to compete with 2022 first-round draft pick Kenny Pickett for the Pittsburgh starting job this summer, Jeff Howe of The Athletic noted earlier this week that the veteran "has a very realistic path" to winning the gig because of his ability "to throw the deep ball." 

Benjamin agrees with Howe's assessment. 

"At 35, with a pretty deep ball still in the arsenal, the ex-Seahawks star is built to operate the Steelers' old-school offense, leaning on the run and play-action," Benjamin added about Wilson. "Odds are Pittsburgh will be back to square one in a year or two, but Wilson at least registers as an upgrade on Kenny Pickett. If he simply proves competent, keeping the club in the playoff mix a la Baker Mayfield with the Buccaneers, he'll have easily out-earned this trial-run deal." 

The 2023 Steelers made the playoffs because backup Mason Rudolph guided a 7-7 club to three straight victories to finish the regular season. 

If Wilson can routinely match or better Rudolph's best performances from Weeks 16-18 this coming fall, the one-time Super Bowl champion could be an absolute bargain for Pittsburgh through January 2025.