Report: Russell Wilson ‘Interested’ in Joining AFC Contender
Not long after the Denver Broncos decided on officially cutting ties with 9x Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson, some potential suitors that could look to acquire his services are beginning to gain some real traction per recent developments.
It was announced that Wilson's release from the Broncos for the new league year allows him to seek out and talk with interested teams, effective immediately. Now, it seems Russ has already begun scheduling meetings to find his future home.
According to insider Gerry Dulac of The Post Gazette, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the former Broncos quarterback will meet ahead of the league's free agency period, with both sides seemingly having mutual interest:
"The Steelers are interested in signing Russell Wilson and are tentatively planning to meet with the former Denver Broncos quarterback before the official start of free agency next week, sources have told the Post-Gazette. Wilson, 35, has an interest in joining the Steelers, but he is already talking with at least one other team after the Broncos gave him permission to seek employment elsewhere before they release him.
The Steelers have been previously pinned as the betting favorites to acquire Russ this offseason, and that speculation will only continue to snowball as a result of the established interest.
Dulac continues to detail that the potential role of Wilson in the black and gold remains unclear, but his presence in the Steelers' building could be an overall benefit to the projected overhaul of this lacking Pittsburgh offense:
There is no indication Wilson would be brought in to be the starter, but it would present an interesting challenge to Pickett, who did not develop as anticipated in his second season. If nothing else, the idea of adding Wilson is another sign the Steelers are trying to revamp their offense under new coordinator Arthur Smith and change their recent playoff failures.
With current Steelers QB Kenny Pickett struggling throughout his second season, Pittsburgh has been a team primed to add some competition in the quarterback room. Wilson would be a cheap, low-risk option to bring in and work alongside new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Pittsburgh finished last season with a 10-7 record, ending up in the postseason and inevitably losing in the Wild Card Round to the Buffalo Bills. They're a team with a strong defensive unit, a solid run game, and a well-established and consistent coaching staff, all of which can play extremely well alongside the strengths of Russ.
We're still in the early stages of this NFL offseason, so things remain fluid. However, keep an eye on Pittsburgh being the eventual squad to take a flier on re-establishing Russell Wilson.
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