WATCH: Russell Wilson, QB, Pays Tribute to Steelers Nation
On March 10th, Russell Wilson expressed his appreciation for Steelers Nation when he agreed to a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Russell Wilson, the quarterback, announced his arrival to the Pittsburgh Steelers soon after ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed it through a tweet on X (previously known as Twitter).
After signing a 1-year deal with the Steelers, Wilson’s initial foray into social media was to give props to Steeler Nation. He shared a clip of enthusiastic fans waving Terrible Towels as part of his tribute.
The team’s anthem, Renegade by Styx, played as background music in the video.
According to Schefter, Wilson is expected to join the Steelers on a one-year deal that benefits the team. Reportedly, Gerry Dulac of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette states that he will sign for the minimum league rate and receive $38 million from his previous team Denver Broncos.
On March 13, when the new NFL year commences, Wilson’s contract with the Steelers can be signed.
Steelers sign QB Russell Wilson
Roughly two days after meeting with the team, Wilson has agreed to a deal in principle with the Steelers.
Matt Miller of ESPN praised the agreement from both viewpoints, grading Wilson’s signing as an A for the Steelers.
Miller wrote that acquiring Wilson for just $1.2 million is a great deal, even if he’s not playing at his prime level from the days when he was with Seattle. Last season, the Steelers made it to the playoffs and won 10 games despite having the sixth-lowest number of passing yards in NFL (3,163) and second-fewest touchdowns through passes (tied at 13). If Wilson can perform better than last year’s touchdown-to-interception ratio of 13-9 – which Pittsburgh had in 2023 – there should be optimism about their chances going forward.
Wilson has an opportunity to redeem himself after appearing as a probable inductee into the Hall of Fame just two seasons ago, while Pittsburgh can return to above-average quarterback performance. In short, this is advantageous for both parties involved – Wilson and Steelers alike.
In his NFL career, Wilson has garnered nine Pro Bowl selections. Last season, in just 15 starts alone he managed to throw more touchdown passes than the Steelers have been able to produce following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.
“Russell Wilson passing TDs in 2023: 26,” wrote The Score’s Daniel Valente on X.
“Steelers’ total passing TDs since Roethlisberger retired: 25
Despite his capabilities, apprehensions about Wilson persist. Over the course of 44 starts since the commencement of the 2021 season, he has recorded a lackluster performance with just 17 wins and 27 losses under his belt. Additionally, there are growing concerns over a decline in his yards per attempt average that has been evident for two consecutive seasons now. In fact, it hit rock bottom at an all-time low of meagerly registering only 6.9 yards per pass back in”2023″.
Despite working with offensive guru Sean Payton, Wilson’s yards per pass average registered as a career-low.
The signing of Wilson affects both Pickett and Rudolph.
The impact of the Steelers’ acquisition of Wilson on their 2023 quarterbacks will be considerable, more akin to a shockwave than just a ripple.
It is highly probable that Kenny Pickett will act as Wilson’s replacement during the 2024 season.
According to Adam Schefter, speaking on a late-night SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt and reported by Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot, Russell Wilson will only consider joining teams where he is guaranteed the starting position. Although Wilson must prove himself and perform well once there, his confidence in his abilities remains unwavering as he seeks to contribute positively to any franchise he joins.
Although Pickett still has two years left on his rookie deal with the additional option of a fifth year, Kozora believes that Wilson’s signing symbolizes the conclusion of Pickett’s era in Pittsburgh.
Kozora of X noted that if Russell Wilson takes on the role as the Steelers’ starter in 2024, it would essentially mark the end of Kenny Pickett’s era.
The fact that Wilson is heading to Pittsburgh leaves little chance for the Steelers to re-contract with Mason Rudolph.
“On X, Dulac wrote that it is unfortunate to anticipate the outcome for Mason Rudolph as he deserves better.”
After Wilson’s official signature, the Steelers will have a pair of quarterbacks on their roster for 2024. Despite requiring one more before training camp, it is improbable that they’ll bring in a quarterback anticipating to kickstart next season.
