Just when all signs were pointing to Russell Wilson being the unquestioned starting quarterback for the Steelers, a report has come out indicating that Pittsburgh is not entirely sold on “Mr. Unlimited.”
During a recent segment of “NFL Live” on ESPN, speculation arose regarding the future of Wilson who has been gearing up for the upcoming season.
Insider Adam Schefter made it clear that the Steelers would have no issue releasing Wilson prior to the regular season if they feel he is not meeting expectations.
An NFL exec told @AdamSchefter that the Steelers could release Russell Wilson if he doesn't play well during training camp.
Could the Justin Fields era in Pittsburgh start sooner than we think? 🍿 pic.twitter.com/tG0Yt2LocF
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) March 21, 2024
The Steelers are in a good situation.
After trading for Justin Fields, they have a solid quarterback room and a veteran backup in Fields who is dying to resurrect his career after a disappointing tenure with the Chicago Bears.
Even more important, Pittsburgh has very little invested in Wilson.
Russell Wilson on being a Steelers:
“To be a Pittsburgh Steeler and to wear the black and gold it’s a true honor it’s tradition it’s history. There’s 6 trophies in there we gotta go get a 7th.”#steelers pic.twitter.com/eKAyEnjuWp
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) March 15, 2024
While there are reports that, in a perfect world, the two sides will ultimately agree to a multi-year extension, the fact of the matter is Wilson is only on a cheap one-year, $1.21 million deal for 2024 (thanks to all of that Bronco money).
Omar has been running the show all offseason, they are babysitting tomlin after his debacle last year
— proud veteran of United States Marines (@douglass_j99543) March 22, 2024
“There’s no commitment, obligation, loyalty to any of these guys,” Schefter said in reference to both Wilson and Fields.
“They didn’t pay much for either one of them. I even had an executive say if Justin Fields outplayed him, Russell Wilson, during training camp, they could see them moving on from him before the season.”
Per Adam Schefter,
He can see a scenario where Russell Wilson gets moved out of Pittsburgh depending on how Justin Fields plays this summer in camp.
I win pic.twitter.com/AkkFte84ja
— Fields 2 Freiermuth SZN (@Gaige_Rage) March 20, 2024
Following his release from Denver, the 35-year-old Wilson joined the Steelers as a free agent on March 15th.
Sean Payton and the Broncos took on a historic $85 million dead-cap hit by releasing Wilson. They will pay him $38 million in 2024 alone, which is why Wilson had no problem signing a minimal contract with Pittsburgh. (Not that there were ever going to be any big offers for him.)
The man is making $38M from Denver this year so I think that’ll offset the loss.
— Maxamus Bolyard (@MaxamusSafety) March 22, 2024
This is one of the funniest edits ever😂
(Sorry Russell Wilson) pic.twitter.com/8rUEA2HLCF
— JaRunIt🏃 (@BroncosRuntry) March 15, 2024
Wilson has been as cringy as ever as he begins preparations for the 2024 season. He recently revealed his new “rallying cry” for the upcoming season. “Broncos country, let’s ride” is OUT and “Here we go!” is in. (Obviously an ode to the famous Steelers war chant.)
Steelers country, let’s weld
— J (@HomeInBoise) March 15, 2024
He’s also been active on social media, showcasing his workouts and expressing optimism for the future.
“Love the Work. The Best Is Ahead,” he tweeted on X.
Love the Work. The Best Is Ahead. pic.twitter.com/4dl997br5g
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 20, 2024
Happy he’s putting in that work. He’d gotten a little heavy in the past few years, though he did look a little slimmer last season. He came into the league with a 4.55 40 time, and you saw it on tape his first 5 years. He needs to regain that level of explosiveness & mobility
— Ismail Abdur-Rahman (@Real_iVIBES) March 22, 2024
What are your thoughts on the report that the Wilson-era in Pittsburgh could be over before it ever truly starts?
Do you expect him to silence the doubters and “revert” back to the Seattle-Wilson … Or are those days long gone?
Who will be the Steelers starting quarterback come September?
Did Pittsburgh make a mistake giving up on Kenny Picket???
That boy looks READY 😆
Demon time, can’t wait. He’s gonna shock everyone, he’s back.
— Riggs Tamburo (@RiggsSportsTalk) March 15, 2024