Steelers’ Russell Wilson Continues To Get Spoiled With The Luxury Of Playing In Pittsburgh: "Kenny Pickett Made Himself A Hostage"

The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant headlines this offseason with several key moves. It all began when Pittsburgh signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum. The plan was for Wilson to compete with the struggling Kenny Pickett for the starting job, providing true competition and possibly inspiring Pickett to elevate his performance.

The Steelers hoped this would motivate Pickett to dominate and eventually secure the starting position, or at least learn from Wilson and alleviate some of the pressure he faced. However, this plan backfired when Pickett requested a trade, which Pittsburgh quickly accommodated to avoid any disruption within the team. After trading Pickett, the Steelers traded with the Chicago Bears for quarterback Justin Fields.

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has made it clear that Wilson is the starter. While Fields will have a chance to compete, it is evident that the job is Wilson's to lose. It would take an extraordinary effort for Fields to overtake Wilson for the starting position. Despite his recent struggles with the Denver Broncos, Wilson was once considered one of the NFL's top quarterbacks, and many pundits have written him off.

Football analyst Rich Eisen discussed Wilson's opportunity in Pittsburgh on his show, The Rich Eisen Show. Eisen expressed amazement at the significant chance the Steelers have given Wilson to revive his career.

"The opportunity that he got is one that I didn't think he was gonna get. Which was the Pittsburgh Steelers raising their hand and basically inserting him into a situation where [as if] he had been there for eight years, not like eight days."

Eisen pointed out that while Pittsburgh also brought in Fields, the organization has treated Wilson almost like a spoiled only child, giving him every advantage. Eisen believes Wilson has been spoiled with the luxury of being in a high-character culture like Pittsburgh.

“You are going to get a first crack at a starter job and then the kid who was there, Kenny Pickett, made himself a hostage. They then volunteered to send him to Philly. And now Russ is the guy, even with Justin Fields coming in. It is clear. And what he has done is realize this potential last best chance to be a starting quarterback in this league with a real shot to go to a Super Bowl and breathe life back into a Hall of Fame trajectory."

Pittsburgh made it clear from the moment they traded for Fields that Wilson was the starter. This doesn't mean Fields can't compete for the job, and there's always a possibility that Fields could dominate and take over. However, the most likely scenario is that Wilson will be the starter for the entirety of the 2024 season.

When Pittsburgh traded for Fields, they told him they wanted him to use this time to learn from Wilson. As a nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback and Super Bowl champion, Wilson offers invaluable experience. Fields, who looked up to Wilson growing up, is excited to be in the same quarterback room as him. 

Steelers' 2024 Season Is Filled With Interesting Storylines

Despite Wilson's struggles over the last two seasons in Denver, his 2023 performance included 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions, which is significantly better than what Pittsburgh got from their three quarterbacks in 2023. If Wilson can deliver a similar performance, Pittsburgh's defense and Tomlin's leadership could carry them to several wins.

Pittsburgh is set up to be a surprise team if Wilson can deliver. If he struggles, many fans will be interested to see what kind of season he has and whether Pittsburgh will turn to Fields. The 2024 season is filled with many storylines for Pittsburgh, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Right now, there is reason to be optimistic about the Steelers' outlook for the 2024 season.

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