Geoffrey C. Arnold
oregonlive.com
(TNS)
Russell Wilson didn’t wait for the free agency period to find his new team.
The quarterback is going to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he announced on social media Sunday night. Wilson wrote: “Year 13. Grateful.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wilson will sign a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum of $1.2 million. The Denver Broncos, who will officially release Wilson on Wednesday, will pay the remaining $37.8 million of Wilson’s $39 million contract for the 2024 season.
The Broncos had given Wilson permission to speak to other teams ahead of the league’s free agent “legal tampering” period, which begins today at 9 a.m. PT. Wilson can agree to a deal with the Steelers now, but he won’t be able to officially sign it until Wednesday at 1 p.m. PT.
Wilson, 35, had visited with the Steelers on Saturday. He also reportedly spoke with the New York Giants. Clearly, the potential of becoming the starting quarterback with a perennial playoff contender was more appealing to Wilson. The Steelers have Kenny Pickett, but his inconsistent play prompted coach Mike Tomlin to say he would have competition for the QB1 job going into the new season.
The Steelers have a new offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith and a number of playmakers on offense with running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, wide receivers George Pickens and Diontae Johnson and tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Wilson’s two seasons in Denver didn’t go anywhere near as planned.
Wilson struggled under first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett’s offense. Wilson threw 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and was sacked an NFL-high 55 times. Hackett was fired after a 51-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16, dropping the Broncos to 4-11. Wilson turned his career around with 26 touchdown passes and eight interceptions in 2023. However, Wilson posted a 7-8 record as the starter and the Broncos finished with a record 8-9 overall. Wilson posted a record of 11-19 during his two years in Denver.
The Steelers (10-7) reached the playoffs despite uneven play from Pickett and backup Mason Rudolph at quarterback. The addition of Wilson will make the Steelers a team to watch during the 2024 season.
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