Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson will suit up for the Pittsburgh Steelers this upcoming season. The nine-time Pro Bowler confirmed his new team on social media.
Reportedly, Wilson agreed to a one-year deal for a veteran’s minimum. He will earn an additional $36.6 million from the Denver Broncos, who will officially release him when the new league year starts.
After two underwhelming seasons with the Broncos, Wilson was informed last that the franchise was moving on from him. Considering that Wilson was just about to enter the five-year, $242.6 million extension he signed with the franchise in 2022, Denver was left with $85 million in dead cap.
Despite not being officially released, Wilson was granted permission from the Broncos to discuss terms with interested teams. He reportedly had several suitors, with the teams being intrigued by the opportunity to bring a future Hall of Famer on a cheap deal. Eventually, Wilson decided to go to Pittsburgh, likely believing the Steelers give him the best shot for starting and playing in the Super Bowl.
Throughout the offseason, the Steelers publicly stated their support for signal-caller Kenny Pickett, their first-round pick in 2022. However, it makes sense for the franchise to get a veteran option like Wilson, considering Pickett was largely inconsistent in his two years with the franchise and is the only QB they have under contract after Mason Rudolph became a free agent and Mitch Trubisky got released.
