Russell Wilson plans to sign with Pittsburgh Steelers
Free agent quarterback Russell Wilson plans to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers next season, he announced Sunday. This will be the 13th NFL season for Wilson, the last two of which he spent playing for the Denver Broncos.
The deal is reportedly for one year and will cost the Steelers only $1.2 million. Denver will pay the remaining $37.8 million of the contract after cutting Wilson this past week.
Wilson led the Broncos to a 7-8 record as a starter this past season while throwing for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Now he is set to join a Steelers team that started three different quarterbacks in 2023 yet still managed to finish 9-8 and make the playoffs.
Wilson spent the first 10 seasons of his pro career as the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, who selected him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He was named a Pro Bowler in nine of those years, including in 2013 when he led the team to a Super Bowl victory.
Wilson left Seattle as the franchise’s all-time leading passer with 37,059 yards and 292 touchdowns. The Seahawks traded him to Denver ahead of the 2022 season.
Wilson’s tenure with the Broncos didn’t go as well as he anticipated, as they failed to make the playoffs both seasons. He was benched in favor of Jarrett Stidham over the final two games of this past season, a sign of what was to come in the offseason.
Now Wilson will get a fresh start with the Steelers, a team that has struggled at the quarterback position since Ben Roethlisberger retired in 2021. Pittsburgh rolled with Kenny Pickett to start last season but stuck with Mason Rudolph to close the year.
Wilson should beat out both for the starting job in 2024, and it will be interesting to see how it works out for both sides.
Russell Wilson releases statement following release from Broncos
Following his release from the Broncos, Wilson released a lengthy message on Twitter thanking the franchise for his time there.
“Over these last two years, you have welcomed my family and me with open arms and have embraced us as members of the Denver community. This city will always hold a special place in my heart. Our family grew here, we made countless memories and friendships, and formed relationships that will last a lifetime.
“To my teammates, thank you for going to battle together and for being there through it all.
There are so many moments I cherish because of you and I am blessed for the impact you have made on my life. I am beyond grateful for all of you and to have been able to run out as your teammate was an honor.
“Court, I’ll never forget your one-handed catch in LA and your toe tap in Buffalo. Bolles, you always wrapping your arm around me win or lose. Brandon Johnson your relentless work ethic. Jeu you snagging and high pointing that ball vs KC! Javonte and Tim… y’all always being positive in the midst of injury but fighting daily to be back! Jaleel, you running to the end zone every practice… I still think Burton’s got you though! Alex, from picking you up years ago to seeing you shine! To the OLine dinners at Los Dos!
“I’ll never forget Wendy & Brandy in the cafeteria! Daily bringing the good food, but the even better jams! Thank you for always being uplifting.
“Finally, to Ray, Aka Pastor Ray Jackson. Thanks for your countless prayers. Daily. To give God the praise daily and us getting on the floor to thank Jesus for breath in the good times and the bad times.
“Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.
“God’s got me.
“I am excited for what’s next.”