The Pittsburgh Steelers have begun arriving to training camp, signaling the beginning of the end of the offseason. Training camp is an important stage of not only team performance, but the development of skills for a deep playoff run. Several battles will occur, and questions will be asked, but it's on the fields of St. Vincent College where Steelers fans everywhere will be able to see just how far their favorite team can go.
Of all the narratives surrounding the Steelers headed into training camp 2024, the question of the wide receivers behind George Pickens continues to be a point of conversation. The possibility of trading for a receiver has been brought up several times, despite the numerous players brought into the room by Omar Khan this offseason. Though fans would certainly want a big name player like Brandon Aiyuk or Davante Adams brought in, the Black and Gold may already have some team favorites on the roster.
Russell Wilson, who enters into his first season in Pittsburgh, has worked diligently this offseason to get to know all the receivers on the roster. From initial welcomes on social media, to offseason workouts in California, Wilson has done his homework on the players themselves, as well as their characteristics. When asked about these offseason workouts during pre-camp interviews, Wilson named two players specifically: Scotty Miller and Quez Watkins.
"I've done it every year since my rookie year, you know bringing guys together, and spending several days together. I think that one on one time with guys... just seeing guys like Scotty Miller get out of his break, seeing guys like Quez Watkins run and track down balls down the field, different things he's able to do."
Miller and Watkins were both brought into Pittsburgh this offseason to utilize their speed in Arthur Smith's offense. These types of players have been the norm for Pittsburgh this offseason of additions who may not seem flashy, but are capable to getting the job done. The Steelers believe that they have everything they need on the roster, and based on Wilson's comments, their is plenty of confidence in them as well.
Russell Wilson Is The Perfect Leader For The Steelers
This offseason has felt like a breath of fresh air in Pittsburgh. There haven't been any massive controversies, just a team trying to forge its own identity and solidify any weaknesses prior to Week 1 in Atlanta. With plenty of storylines to come out of training camp, plenty of appreciation goes towards veterans on the roster working to unify the team.
Wilson's impact on the Steelers is already evident, regardless of the duration of his stay. From the warm interactions with Steelers media, to the introductions, to every Steelers draft pick, Wilson is working hard to rebrand his image in a city that has given several players second chances. Wilson has already won a Super Bowl ring in his career, and knows what it takes to get there is a strong camp.
The mantra of the 2024 Steelers will be of a team with something to prove. From the depth guys looking to make a name for themselves in the NFL, to coaches looking to wipe a rather forgettable coaching tenure from fans' recent memory, the determination to change a narrative can be a powerful tool towards a team's success. No player exemplifies this more than Wilson, whose recent struggles allows him to be a more authentic leader.
Wilson will be fending off Justin Fields to be the starting quarterback, not only out of camp, but all season long, fighting to place his name back towards the top of NFL quarterbacks and earn another contract after his one-year deal in Pittsburgh expires at the conclusion of the 2024 season. It's easy to step up and be an example for others when you are in the same boat yourself. It's unsure what his future in Pittsburgh may be, but if the Steelers succeed this season, Wilson certainly will earn his fair share of credit.
