Russell Wilson's first stop in the NFL was exceptional, as he played at a near-Hall of Fame level for the Seattle Seahawks. After that, Wilson's two seasons with the Denver Broncos were so bad they will go down among the worst deals and contracts in NFL history.
We'll see what the third chapter brings. Wilson announced via social media on Sunday that he intends to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Confirming multiple media reports. However, the terms of the deal were not announced This is a one-year deal, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported The Broncos will also pay $38 million in Wilson's 2024 salary.
What to expect from Wilson in Pittsburgh
Two years ago, when the Broncos traded for Wilson, there was a lot of excitement about what was to come. This time, no one knows what will happen next.
Wilson couldn't have found a much better situation to turn his career around. The Steelers are perennial winners after another playoff run. They have talent on both sides of the ball and a respected head coach in Mike Tomlin.
What they didn't have was a response in the middle. The Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett in the first round two years ago, and Wilson's signing suggests the team has soured on that experience. They got a veteran option at quarterback with plenty of success in his past and a Super Bowl ring as well.
The Steelers didn't have a lot of salary cap space but that wasn't an issue with Wilson because the Broncos owe him a big salary for 2024. Because of the offset language, Wilson could sign the veteran minimum with his new team. It's a good fit for both sides. It's a risk-free acquisition for the Steelers and a chance for Wilson to change his legacy once again.
Russell Wilson improved last season
The refrain after the Broncos hired Sean Payton to be their head coach a year ago was that he was responsible for fixing Wilson. In some ways it did.
Wilson was much better last season than he was with Nathaniel Hackett in 2022. Hackett was in over his head as an NFL head coach and everything on the Broncos team was bad, including Wilson. Wilson looked like one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL last season.
Wilson didn't live up to what the Broncos gave up for him in the trade or the contract extension he signed — the Broncos decided to cut him and eat up $85 million of the salary cap, after all — but he was better. His completion percentage increased from 60.5 in 2022 to 66.4 last season. He threw for 26 touchdowns, up from 16 the previous year. He reduced his interceptions from 11 to 8. His passer rating was 98, having registered 84.4 under Hackett.
He wasn't about to return to the player who made nine Pro Bowls in 10 Seahawks seasons, but he was better. It's good that he will get another chance at the age of 35 to rewrite his legacy.
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