Reports indicate that the Pittsburgh Steelers are eyeing the recently released quarterback Russell Wilson from the Denver Broncos. This revelation surfaced on Thursday, courtesy of Gerry Dulac from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Dulac disclosed that there is mutual interest between the Steelers and Wilson, sparking speculation about a potential partnership between the esteemed quarterback and the storied franchise.
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Former Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson warming up his arm before a regular season home game
During his visit to the combine, Alan Saunders from Steelers Now sought to uncover the underlying reasons behind the split between Wilson and the Broncos. Engaging in conversation with a reputable source within the Broncos organization, Saunders sought clarity on the matter. The source emphatically expressed that the controversy surrounding Wilson's actions has been blown out of proportion, suggesting that there may be more to the situation than meets the eye.
“All of that is overblown. He’s a great guy and great in the locker room.”
Saunders conducted in-depth interviews with a diverse array of individuals who had direct experience with Wilson during his time with the Broncos, including former teammates and various sources familiar with the team's inner-workings. Through these discussions, a consistent theme emerged: not a single person had anything negative to say about Wilson's conduct or character during his tenure in Denver.
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Russell Wilson raises his arms in the air during a game as a Denver Bronco.
Former teammates lauded his professionalism, work ethic, and positive impact both on and off the field. Likewise, sources intimately familiar with the Broncos' operations echoed these sentiments, painting a picture of Wilson as a dedicated and respected member of the team. These endorsements provide compelling evidence that challenges any lingering doubts or misconceptions about Wilson's contributions and behavior during his stint with the Broncos.
From the onset, it was evident that the dynamic between Wilson and Sean Payton was strained. Their interactions during games often depicted Payton in a state of agitation, frequently directing aggressive outbursts towards Wilson. In the eyes of many observers, it appeared as though Payton was singling out Wilson, unfairly attributing blame to him for the Broncos' performance woes. This perception of Wilson being made the scapegoat by Payton added fuel to the speculation surrounding their troubled relationship.
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Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton coaching Russell Wilson during an away regular season game
While it was widely speculated that Wilson's demeanor was the root of the issue in Denver, Saunders' discussions with numerous sources and former teammates paint a different picture. Their unanimous lack of criticism towards Wilson speaks volumes. Particularly noteworthy is the praise of his leadership by a young player who shared the field with Wilson during his time with the Seattle Seahawks. This testimony challenges the prevailing narrative, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of Wilson's character and impact.
Steelers Have Nothing To Lose And Everything To Gain With Russell Wilson
According to Dulac, the Steelers are set to meet with Wilson in the coming week or so, just before the onset of free agency. This pivotal meeting signifies the potential for a significant development in the Steelers' quarterback situation. Pursuing a seasoned quarterback like Wilson, who is 35 years old, presents a unique opportunity for the Steelers—a low-risk, high-reward scenario. Wilson's proven track record, coupled with his experience and leadership, could inject new life into the Steelers' offense, offering stability and playmaking prowess to propel the team towards success.
The Steelers maintain faith in their young quarterback, Kenny Pickett. However, despite their confidence, Pickett has encountered difficulties in advancing the ball and consistently producing impressive statistics. This has led to speculation that it might be time for a change at the quarterback position. Nonetheless, it's worth considering that Pickett's struggles could be attributed to his circumstances, particularly his tenure under former offensive coordinator Matt Canada, which may have imposed limitations on his performance.
Assessing Pickett's potential has been challenging due to his injury following a standout performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, if the Steelers opt to acquire Wilson, they could position themselves favorably. This move would enable Pickett to vie for the starting role while benefiting from the opportunity to learn from Wilson—a quarterback seasoned in navigating the league and competing in Super Bowls.
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