After a rough offseason with Russell Wilson being benched and his future uncertain, the Denver Broncos made a surprising decision to release him. This move will cost them a hefty $85 million in salary cap space.
The Denver Broncos’ shocking decision to trade for a different quarterback has left fans buzzing about Russell Wilson’s next destination. The former Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl-winning quarterback has fueled speculation with hints that the Pittsburgh Steelers could be his next landing spot.
Russell Wilson confirms Steeler’s trade
Russell Wilson took to social media to announce his next career move, revealing his intention to join the Pittsburgh Steelers. With a new chapter about to unfold in his illustrious career, he expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunity ahead.
In a tweet on his X account, he shared his anticipation for “Year 13” with the Steelers.
The decision to join the Steelers follows the signal-caller’s recent discussions with both the Steelers and the New York Giants. While the Steelers may have faced limitations in terms of salary cap space, Wilson’s impending arrival comes with a unique arrangement due to the Broncos’ financial obligation towards his salary for the upcoming season.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal involves a one-year contract, with the Denver Broncos assuming a significant portion of Wilson’s 2024 salary.
While the Steelers have affirmed their commitment to Kenny Pickett, both general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin have expressed interest in adding competition for the starting quarterback position.
Looking back at Russell Wilson’s performance with Broncos
Russell Wilson’s tenure with the Broncos got off to a rocky start after signing a lucrative deal, failing to meet the team’s lofty expectations. In his debut season, he posted modest numbers, recording 3,524 yards, 16 touchdowns, and an 84.4 QB rating.
However, the nine-time Pro Bowler experienced a resurgence in his performance during the last season with the Broncos. He showcased improved numbers across the board, throwing for 26 touchdowns while reducing his interceptions from 11 to 8. His passer rating also saw a significant uptick to 98, per ESPN‘s stats.
His leadership last season played a pivotal role in the Broncos’ 8-9 record in his 15 starts, completing 66.4 percent of his passes and accumulating 3,070 yards.
One of the highlights of Wilson’s season was leading the Broncos to an impressive five-game winning streak, which included a memorable victory over the back-to-back Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Notably, his touchdown pass tally in the initial three games equaled Kenny Pickett’s total for the entire season.
This successful run contributed to his legacy and earned him another opportunity in Pittsburgh, where he aims to rewrite his legacy again.