The Pittsburgh Steelers made a big addition this offseason by signing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.
Wilson is a nine-time Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl champion. After ten successful seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson spent the past two seasons with the Denver Broncos. His two years in Denver were down years for the veteran quarterback. Although Wilson improved in his second season with the Broncos, throwing 26 touchdowns to eight interceptions in 15 games, he was cut.
The Steelers signed Wilson to a veteran minimum contract this offseason. Pittsburgh landed the proven winner on a minimum contract for this season worth under $2 million. This doesn’t mean Wilson won’t receiving a sizable salary this season. The Broncos will be taking on a cap hit upwards of $39 million due to Wilson’s guaranteed money even though they released him.
Former Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger thanked to the Broncos for getting rid of Wilson. The Steelers legend appreciates how Denver for paying Wilson this season on the season premiere of his Footbahlin podcast.
“Thank you, Denver, for paying,” Roethlisberger said. “Denver paid Russ like $38 million to go away. Which is, ok, nine-time Pro Bowler, I don’t know his stats, nine-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl. And we’re like, ok, we’ll take him. Thank you.”
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After suffering an injury that limited him at the beginning of preseason, Wilson won the starting quarterback job for the Steelers over fellow new addition Justin Fields. Throughout training camp, players praised Wilson’s leadership and veteran presence.
Pittsburgh still has an unsettled future at quarterback and doesn’t have to deal with a massive quarterback contract. This has allowed the Steelers the opportunity improve their roster as they eye a return to the playoffs th is season.
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