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Former Steelers Quarterback Tabbed As ‘Worst Free-Agent Pickup’

The 10-time Pro Bowler was recently benched

It was less than three weeks ago when New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson torched the Dallas Cowboys defense to the tune of 450 passing yards, just two shy of a career high.

Now, Wilson is riding the G-Men’s bench behind rookie first-round pick Jaxson Dart.

The 10-time Pro Bowler signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with New York in March and on Thursday, national NFL writer Mike Jones of The Athletic picked Wilson as the worst free-agent pickup of the year.

“The Giants should have just gone with Jameis Winston as their bridge quarterback/mentor for Jaxson Dart, because Russell Wilson’s three-game showcase was pretty dreadful, outside of that 450-yard, three-touchdown performance against Dallas’ awful defense,” Jones wrote. “Wilson’s accuracy has plummeted (59.5 percent). He had no touchdown passes against the Commanders or the Chiefs and had three interceptions and three fumbles in three games before getting the hook.”

After spending the first 10 years of his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson has now suited up for three teams in the last four seasons.

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Following two largely unsuccessful campaigns with the Denver Broncos, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2024 season and initially beat out Justin Fields for the starting gig under center.

Wilson suffered a calf injury, however, and missed the first six games of the year. Wilson then replaced Fields as the starter in Week 7 and finished his lone season in Pittsburgh with a 63.7% completion percentage for 2,482 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions across 11 contests.

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The 36-year-old started and lost the Steelers’ lone playoff game that winter, despite going a solid 20-for-29 with 270 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

More NFL: Why NFL Writer Gave Steelers ‘B-‘ Grade For September

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Featured image via Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images