Russell Wilson’s NFL journey has been full of highs and lows. Drafted in the third round by the Seahawks in 2012, he quickly became a star—winning a Super Bowl, making nine Pro Bowls, and establishing himself as one of the league’s best quarterbacks. However, things took a sharp turn after his move to the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos him to a massive $245 million extension, but the results didn’t match the investment. By 2024, Denver cut ties, and Wilson landed with the Steelers on a bargain one-year deal worth just $1.21 million. Thanks to $37.79 million in guarantees from his Denver contract, Pittsburgh snagged an experienced QB for next to nothing.
Denver didn’t come out so lucky. Releasing Wilson hit their cap hard—an $85 million dead-cap charge, the largest in NFL history, spread over two years. For the Steelers, it was a genius move. Wilson cost them just 0.5% of their salary cap, thanks to a clause in his Denver contract that encouraged him to sign elsewhere for the minimum. It’s a win-win: Pittsburgh gets a proven quarterback on the cheap, and Wilson gets a shot at redemption.
Wilson’s comeback started in Week 7 after a preseason injury kept him sidelined. Taking over for Justin Fields, who had led Pittsburgh to a 4-2 start, Wilson lit up the Jets with 264 yards, two touchdowns, and no picks. Over five games, he’s been solid: completing 63.1% of his passes for 1,212 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions, with a passer rating of 98.6. His deep-ball accuracy and careful play have brought stability to Pittsburgh’s offense.
How Russell Wilson’s Denver Struggles Led To A Low-Risk Opportunity In Pittsburgh?
Wilson’s struggles in Denver were a cautionary tale about huge QB contracts. His $245 million deal included $165 million guaranteed, but Denver pulled the plug after two seasons, swallowing an $85 million cap hit—$53 million in 2024 and $32 million in 2025. It’s a stark reminder of how risky those deals can be when the performance doesn’t match the paycheck.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Meanwhile, the Steelers have the perfect low-risk setup. Wilson’s deal includes a no-trade clause, so he has control, but it’s cheap enough for Pittsburgh to evaluate him without much downside. So far, he’s averaged 242.4 passing yards per game, highlighted by a clutch showing against the Browns, where he threw for 270 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers. His coolness under pressure has helped the team in big moments.
As of late 2024, Wilson has racked up $305.3 million in career earnings, making him one of the NFL’s top-paid players. Things didn’t end well in Denver for Wilson, but now he’s got a fresh start in Pittsburgh. He’s been playing well enough to show he still has a lot of football. Only time will tell whether this turns into a huge comeback or just the end of the road.
Also Read: Did Pittsburgh Steelers’ Russell Wilson Reveal His Retirement Timeline?
