The Pittsburgh Steelers are already thinking long-term with new starting quarterback Russell Wilson, according to a report.
Following his release from the Denver Broncos, Wilson and the Steelers agreed to a one-year contract worth the veteran’s minimum. With the release, the Broncos are taking on an NFL record $85 million dead money charge for the next two years.
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Wilson and Pittsburgh “intend to do a longer deal at the end of” next season. They simply initially agreed to the one-year deal because Wilson is getting $39 million from Denver anyway, Dulac noted.
This report from Dulac is certainly interesting because the Steelers also just traded for ex-Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields for a conditional sixth-round pick in 2025 that becomes a fourth if he plays 51 percent of the club’s defensive snaps, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Also Read: Russell Wilson Breaks His Silence On Steelers’ Surprise Blockbuster Trade For QB Justin Fields
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The Steelers and Wilson may be keen on the idea of a long-term extension now, but it’ll also come down to how the nine-time Pro Bowler fares in 2024. If Fields gets a chance to produce in Steel City, the Steelers will have a QB controversy.
Russell Wilson Bounced Back In 2023
Wilson had a tough first year in Denver under rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett. He lost 11 of 15 starts and had just 16 touchdowns (a career-low) against 11 interceptions while taking a league-high 55 sacks.
But in his lone season with Sean Payton, Wilson had a stellar bounce-back year and kept the Broncos in playoff contention during the second half. He threw for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns against only eight interceptions to go along with 341 rushing yards and three rushing scores.
Wilson did this without a 1,000-yard rusher or receiver in Denver. Now, he gets to join a Steelers team with a future Hall of Fame head coach in Mike Tomlin and a nice set of playmakers led by George Pickens, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
Also Read: Kenny Pickett’s Social Media Activity After Getting Traded From Steelers To Eagles Says It All
