The Pittsburgh Steelers swept their quarterback room clean and brought in veterans Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to compete for the starting job. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has said they will both be given a chance during training camp, but also said that Wilson has "pole position" based on his seniority and success in the league.
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Steelers QBs Russell Wilson (3) and Justin Fields (2) look on during practice.
Wilson is entering his 13th season in the NFL. He spent 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and two with the Denver Broncos. In those 12 seasons, Wilson has only played the Steelers twice and beat them both times. He is a nine-time Pro Bowler whose been to two Super Bowls, winning one and is well respected in the league.
One of his new black and gold teammates, Alex Highsmith, recently joined Chris Long on his Green Light Podcast. Long asked Highsmith what it was like having Wilson around the facility. Long, who spent 11 seasons in the NFL, said he remembers going up against Wilson when he was very young. Highsmith said that the Steelers players are excited to have Wilson on board.
"I remember whenever he came in the building for OTAs (Organized Team Activities), I just remember seeing him like, that's Russ, the guy I grew up watching, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback and everything. He's definitely an OG, but I think a lot of the guys love him."
Wilson is here on a one-year deal, in which he took the veteran minimum thanks to his contract from the Broncos. A lot is riding on the 2024 season for Wilson. He left the Seahawks on a sour note and expected to redeem himself and the Broncos. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.
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Broncos' Sean Payton and Russell Wilson.
Things in Denver went south rather quickly, and Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton was willing to pay Wilson to leave after the 2023 season. However, Wilson has been vocal that he is not ready to hang up his cleats yet. This is his chance to prove that it was the Broncos, not him, that were the problem. Highsmith said he could tell that Wilson was pumped to be in Pittsburgh.
"I'm just excited to see what he brings for us this year, and I know he's excited to be a Steeler and play for this team and play for this organization. I think a lot of guys are rallying around him, and I just think he's going to be great for us and provide a lot of spark to our offense. I just can't wait to see the way he leads us and the way that guys rally around him. I think he's really motivated right now. He's feeling as good as he has his whole career right now."
At 35, Wilson is in the twilight of his career, but with quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers playing into their 40s, he still has time left if he can perform. Most of his postseason success came early in his career, but he boasts an overall completion percentage of 64.7%. He has thrown for 43,653 yards, 334 touchdowns, and just 106 interceptions.
AP
Steelers' Russell Wilson talking with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith.
Wilson has expressed his excitement about playing for Tomlin and being in Pittsburgh. The opportunity is there for him; this team wants to be led. He should also benefit from new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith's run-heavy schemes and improved offensive line.
Can Russell Wilson Lead Pittsburgh To The Playoffs?
The last time Wilson won a playoff game was in 2020 in the NFC Wild Card game, and the last time the Steelers won one was in the 2016 season. However, together, they could be a winning formula to make it to the playoffs and win again.
According to Christopher Carter from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Wilson has the consistency the Steelers have lacked in quarterback play for the past several years. And in the Steelers, Wilson will find the coaching, weapons, and offensive line he has been missing. Wilson doesn't tend to fold under pressure, which is exactly what Pittsburgh needs.
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