Ex-Pitt QB Doubtful Steelers’ Russell Wilson Can Handle Pittsburgh Media: “A Middling Quarterback”

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant move this offseason by signing former Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum. This decision comes two years after Wilson was traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Denver Broncos. Upon his trade, Wilson signed a five-year deal worth $242 million.

The Broncos invested heavily in Wilson, hoping he could lead them to a Super Bowl. However, after two seasons and an 11-19 overall record, it's clear that Wilson did not meet expectations in Denver. He threw for 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions over those two seasons. Despite his struggles in winning games, Wilson had a relatively productive 2023 season, throwing for 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.

Opinions on Wilson are divided. His rapid decline from elite quarterback to a subject of mockery has raised questions about his ability to rejuvenate a struggling Pittsburgh offense at age 35. Some in the media believe he is a great fit for Pittsburgh, while others think his best days are behind him.

Max Browne, a former college quarterback who played his 2017 season with the University of Pittsburgh, shared his views on Guy Haberman's YouTube channel. Browne expressed doubt about Wilson's ability to mesh with the Pittsburgh media, suggesting that his personality might not be well-received.

"Take the football out of it, in between the ears, how does Russell lead?" Browne asked. "How does Russell relate to his team? Can Russell sit with this uneasiness that, 'I'm no longer a top 10 quarterback in the NFL?' How does that work when the Pittsburgh media is on him for being a middling quarterback, and he says, 'The sun is always shining,' and we know that's not true. That's my biggest question."

Browne believes that dealing with the Pittsburgh media will be Wilson's biggest challenge in 2024. Wilson's struggles in Denver resulted from a combination of factors, including the Broncos' overall performance and his interactions with the media. While some of Wilson's former teammates have contradicted reports of discord, multiple sources suggested that not all of his teammates in Denver were fond of him.

It's clear that Wilson's chemistry with the Broncos was off. He quickly went from being one of the league's most sought-after quarterbacks to being paid millions to leave town. His fall from superstar status has many questioning what he has left to offer at this stage in his career. Nonetheless, Pittsburgh is excited to have Wilson on board.

Steelers' Quarterbacks Struggled Big Time In 2023

In the 2023 season, Pittsburgh's quarterback room struggled significantly. The three quarterbacks who saw game action—Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, and Mitch Trubisky—combined for just 13 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. All three have since left Pittsburgh. The Steelers also traded for another quarterback, Justin Fields, who is set to be Wilson's backup and will have the chance to compete for the starting job.

Wilson will be under intense scrutiny from the media during the 2024 season. He faces considerable pressure to perform well on a team eager to return to Super Bowl contention. Pittsburgh made several significant moves this offseason, and they are a much-improved team heading into the 2024 season. While some doubt Wilson's personality will mesh well with the Pittsburgh media, others believe his veteran experience will help him navigate the challenges ahead.

Wilson is a seasoned professional who knows how to handle media attention. He is motivated to change the narrative surrounding his career after his time in Denver. While some critics find Wilson's personality off-putting, the Steelers view him as a perfect leader and are very optimistic about his potential. Steelers fans are eager to see what kind of performance Wilson can deliver in the upcoming season.

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