Steelers Were Reportedly The Only Legitimate Team Interested In Pursuing Russell Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers gave fans the answer to the question that has been asked since a devastating Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills. Kenny Pickett was entering the new league year as the only quarterback on the roster after the release of Mitchell Trubisky and impending free agency for Mason Rudolph. Officially, it will remain that way until Wednesday, but news broke late on Sunday evening that the organization has a handshake agreement with nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson. It will be talked about internally like a quarterback competition, but make no mistake, it's Wilson's job to lose.

The agreed upon partnership all started over the course of a couple days once Gerry Dulac dropped the news bomb that there was mutual interest between the signal-caller and franchise. That began a domino effect of insiders everywhere trying to get to the bottom of what was going on. Wilson was then spotted at the Newark International Airport on Friday morning after having discussions with the New York Giants.

Another team that was constantly brought up as a potential fit for Wilson was the Las Vegas Raiders. An opportunity would have allowed him to stay on the West Coast and compete against his former team in the Denver Broncos twice a season. It appears as there may have never been another option for Wilson, as Mike Garafolo of NFL Network stated on Monday morning that there wasn't too much going on with anyone other than the Steelers.

Take that information as you will. Pittsburgh is planning to sign a Super Bowl-winning quarterback who has the chance to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day. He could very well earn it in the Steel City, depending on how his time with the Steelers goes. Lack of interest shouldn't scare fans away. The signal-caller will be 36 during the 2024 season, but threw for 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2023. 

He has plenty of game left, and Arthur Smith's run-heavy, play-action offense might be exactly what Wilson needs to continue to play at a high level. The organization showed the most interest in him, and it paid off as he is choosing to play for Head Coach Mike Tomlin for at least one season.

Wilson also showed his excitement on social media late Sunday evening. It will give any Steelers' fan chills to watch his short hype video that features the hit song "Renegade." 

This, of course, creates a sticky situation with the team's 2022 first-round draft pick in Pickett. It's hard to imagine Wilson being brought in to hold a clipboard. Crazier things have happened, but the third year for the former Pitt Panther meant a ton to both him and the team. If he doesn't start consistently in 2024, it's doubtful his fifth-year option for 2026 will be picked up in the 2025 offseason.

Steelers General Manager Omar Khan Not Messing Around

General Manager Omar Khan has not been shy to break away from the organization's traditional ways of operation. The agreement to sign Wilson is just another example. It also appears is if Tomlin was heavily involved in the pursuit for the quarterback. It may be called a competition for several months throughout the offseason, but expect to see Wilson under center for the Steelers when the regular season kicks off in September.

Do you like the signing of Wilson? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation