Russell Wilson likely entered the offseason looking for an opportunity to start for a winning team. In signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 35-year-old quarterback not only checked that box, but he put himself in prime position to revive his Hall of Fame candidacy.
While I am sure that my gold-jacket assertion will illicit eye rolls from many observers who watched the nine-time Pro Bowler struggle in the Mile High City, the marriage between Wilson and the Steelers should be a match made in heaven — especially at the bargain-basement cost of $1.2 million, a price tag that’s possible because Wilson’s former employer must pay most of the $39 million still owed to the QB for the upcoming season.
In Pittsburgh, Wilson not only joins a storied franchise synonymous with winning, but he gets to work with a future Hall of Fame coach whose staff adheres to an offensive philosophy that perfectly meshes with the one-time Super Bowl champion’s talents.
With a supporting cast that features a beefy offensive line surrounded by dynamic playmakers and a defense loaded with blue-chip talents, Wilson has a chance to turn back the clock to his best years in Seattle.
I know it has been a minute since we’ve talked about Wilson managing the game at an elite level as a youngster, but reprising that role could enable the veteran to squash the narrative hovering over his game.
And to be fair to the man, his two-year sojourn with the Denver Broncos wasn’t as utterly hopeless as many seem to think.
Wilson compiled a 42:19 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 90.9 passer rating during that span, showing significant improvement in his second year with the team.
In 2023, Russ completed 66.4 percent of his passes with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions before getting benched for the final two games.
Considering the Steelers have not had a signal-caller reach 25 touchdown passes since Ben Roethlisberger threw 33 in 2020, Wilson upgrades the quarterback room with his experience and winning pedigree.
And yes, it’s officially his room now, with Pittsburgh trading former first-round pick Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday.
