Steelers Will Have Playoff Success In 2024: "But Not Because Of Russell Wilson"

Pittsburgh Steelers fans have big expectations for the 2024 season. Part of that is the hope that the new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, will spark new life into a unit that was stagnant in recent years. However, the biggest question mark about the offense is at quarterback. The team signed Russell Wilson after he was paid and then dumped by the Denver Broncos. 

There is a big chasm between those who believe that Wilson still has what it takes and those who don't. Many of those who think the time has passed Wilson by want to see the Steelers' other newly acquired quarterback, Justin Fields, under center instead. 

That argument divided the hosts on ESPN's Unsportsmanlike Podcast. Mark Zinno and Jordan Raanan took differing approaches to the Wilson debate. Raanan predicts the Steelers will make it to the playoffs, but it will come as a result of the rest of the team's talent and have little to do with Wilson. 

"I think Russell Wilson is on the downside of his career," said Raanan. "I think he's barely a starting quarterback in the NFL at this point in his career. He lost his mobility, that was maybe Russell Wilson's best attribute. I think the Steelers are a very talented team and will make the playoffs, but not because of Russell Wilson."

Zinno pointed out that the two disagreed about this last year when Wilson was still in Denver. Zinno said Wilson was a top-five quarterback for a stretch of the season. He sees him as serviceable and thinks that is enough for a team with as much talent as Pittsburgh.

Raanan disagrees with Zinno, saying that Wilson did well in completion percentage, which makes up the quarterback rating that Zinno cited. In fact, Raanan thinks that it might even cost Wilson his job. He said the Broncos just worked around Wilson last season, and the Steelers will do the same. This will lead to the Steelers playing Fields instead. 

"The Steelers, in Mike Tomlin, for years have had the ability to cover up a whole lot of warts at a variety of different positions," said Zinno. "I'm not gonna write off Russell Wilson yet."

The Black and Gold does have a lot going for it as far as Raanan is concerned. He believes they have a "stout defense" and the makings of a really good run game. Despite all the concerns over the Steelers not bringing another receiver on board yet, he believes they actually have a solid receivers room.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin has been clear that Wilson is in "pole position" to start the season, but has also assured fans Fields will have an opportunity to compete. From the outside it appears that Tomlin wants to develop Fields some and will use Wilson to help with that. 

Could The Steelers Offer Russell Wilson A Contract To Stay?

Football is a team sport, and players can only control what they can control. If one or two players could will their team to a Super Bowl victory, the Steelers would certainly have a recent one complements of the defense. A lot hinges upon what happens with this quarterback competition between Wilson and Fields. They both need to perform well to be considered starters in the NFL. If Wilson underperforms, he might see retirement in the future. But if he delivers on what he seems to be promising, some think it could pay off for him big time. 

Ray Fittipaldo, from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, recently told listeners on 93.7 The Fan that he could see Wilson getting a two-year $75-80 million contract from either the Steelers or another team. While that is nothing close to the amount the Broncos had offered him, it is much better than hanging up your cleats. 

Do you think the Steelers can make and even win a playoff game this season with a quarterback who is just serviceable? Click to comment below.

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