The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed Russell Wilson to a one-year, team-friendly deal for the 2024 NFL season. After being released by the Broncos on Monday, Wilson met with the Steelers on Friday. He spoke with head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, with the two sides showing mutual interest. The former Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl champion will provide experience and competition to 3rd year quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Russell Wilson’s 2024 Contract
Nine-time Pro-Bowl QB and former Super-Bowl champ Russell Wilson plans to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per league sources. Wilson will sign a team-friendly, one-year deal in which the Broncos will wind up paying $38 million of his salary while Wilson wears the black and… pic.twitter.com/eqQC8w0tIK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
Russell Wilson is owed $39 million in 2024 due to his 5-year extension that he signed with the Broncos back in 2022. Denver will wind up paying the veteran quarterback $38 million, allowing Pittsburgh to pay roughly $1 million for his services. This is one of the best values in the NFL and results in a very team-friendly contract for the 35-year-old passer on a “prove-it” deal.
Russell Wilson’s 2023 Production
In 2023, Russ started 15 games for the Broncos and led them to a 7-8 record. Wilson completed 66.4% of his passes and threw for 3,070 yards while accounting for 26 passing touchdowns and 8 interceptions. He also rushed for 341 yards on 80 attempts and scored 3 rushing touchdowns. Overall, this was an improvement compared to his 2022 campaign but nowhere near his peak Seattle Seahawks production.
Kenny Pickett’s 2023 Production
In 2023, Kenny Pickett started 12 games for the Steelers and led them to a 7-5 record. A high ankle sprain against the Arizona Cardinals cut his season short in week 13. In his 12 starts, he completed 62% of his passes and threw for 2,070 yards while accounting for 6 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. In 42 rushing attempts, Pickett ran for 54 yards and 1 touchdown.
Who Will Be the Pittsburgh Steelers Starting Quarterback in Week 1?
The main question for Pittsburgh is now, who will be their starting quarterback in week 1? Kenny Pickett has led the Steelers to the playoffs twice in his first two seasons, although much of the team’s success was due to the defense. After back-to-back first-round exits for this team, they may want to shake things up heading into the 2024 season. While Wilson has struggled in his time with the Broncos, he still has experience over the 25-year-old. The decision will not be made right away, but no matter who starts in week 1, it will be a competitive battle in the offseason to win the starting job.
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