Insider Drops Steelers’ Offseason Plans for Broncos’ Russell Wilson
As we enter into this year's rendition of NFL free agency, the chatter surrounding the rumored plans and intentions for many teams around the league is starting to follow as a result. With the pending release of Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson on the table, the speculation of where he could end up next has remained a key talking point around the league.
While a few QB-hungry teams have been mentioned to have some interest in Wilson, one of them that stood out amongst the crowd was the Pittsburgh Steelers. After they ended last season with a 10-7 record and an AFC Wild Card exit, many have seen the possibility of this front office seeking out a new option under center over Kenny Pickett.
However, even with the consistent unrest at Pittsburgh's QB position, the franchise still seems to be committed to their hometown kid. According to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, the Steelers are not expected to pursue Russell Wilson if ultimately cut from Denver:
The Steelers are not interested in signing Wilson in the likely event he’s released by the Denver Broncos, a source familiar with the coaching staff’s feelings on the quarterback at this stage of his career told The Athletic.
Wilson is coming off his second season with the Broncos, where he posted 3,070 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions for a 66.4% completion percentage. He showcased some steps forward from his previous season's stint led by Nathaniel Hackett, but the fit between Russ and Coach Payton proved to be too wonky to continue for another year.
Instead, the 9x Pro Bowler is expected to join his third NFL franchise once he's likely released later this week, and it now seems like it won't be in Pittsburgh.
DeFabo goes on to detail that the Steelers continue to have faith in 2021 first round pick Kenny Pickett as he enters his third season at the helm:
"The fact that Pittsburgh is not seriously courting an established starter to supplant Pickett lends more credence to Khan’s statement that he has 'full faith' in Pickett. It appears the Steelers are hopeful that first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith can unlock something in the third-year QB that the NFL has not yet seen."
The Steelers were previous betting favorites to acquire Wilson's services, along with former NFL WR Chad Johnson claiming he had inside sources connecting Russ to Pittsburgh. Despite the consistent projections connecting this pairing, this new development of their loyalty to give Pickett another chance effectively changes things.
While the Steelers may be out of the race, expect some other potential suitors to arise once Wilson's ties are finally cut from the Mile High.
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