Russell Wilson’s decade of dominance with the Seattle Seahawks feels like a distant memory after a disappointing stint with the Denver Broncos. His transition to Denver, intended to usher in a new era of success, instead resulted in two underwhelming seasons, prompting the crucial question: Where Will Russell Wilson Go next? The answer has arrived: Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Steelers are gambling on the veteran quarterback, hoping he can rediscover the form that once made him one of the NFL’s elite signal-callers.
The Broncos’ acquisition of Wilson in 2022 was meant to solve their quarterback woes and propel them back into contention. However, his first season in Denver was statistically his worst, throwing a career-low 16 touchdown passes and contributing to the league’s lowest-scoring offense. While he displayed glimpses of his former brilliance in 2023 under new head coach Sean Payton, it wasn’t enough to salvage the situation. Denver ultimately benched Wilson for the final games of the season and released him months later, absorbing a significant $85 million dead money hit. Despite these recent setbacks, Wilson’s established track record, including a Super Bowl championship and impressive career stats – 43,653 passing yards, 334 touchdowns, and a 100.0 passer rating – still holds considerable appeal.
In Pittsburgh, Wilson enters a quarterback room that includes Kenny Pickett. Pickett, drafted in the first round in 2022, has shown promise but has yet to solidify himself as the Steelers’ long-term solution. His 14-10 record as a starter is paired with a modest 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. After an injury, Pickett even lost his starting role to Mason Rudolph towards the end of the 2023 season and into the playoffs. This quarterback uncertainty led the Steelers to pursue Wilson, seeking a veteran presence and a potential upgrade under center.
The Steelers, despite playing in the fiercely competitive AFC North division, are a team with playoff aspirations. Boasting a strong defense and a commitment to running the ball, Pittsburgh’s missing piece has been consistent quarterback play. If Russell Wilson can recapture even a fraction of his peak performance, the Steelers could become a formidable force in the AFC, potentially making a deeper playoff run than they have in recent years. For both Wilson and the Steelers, this partnership represents a chance at resurgence and a fresh chapter.
