The Pittsburgh Steelers were making uncharacteristic moves throughout the entire 2024 offseason. This included trades and splash signings in free agency. Perhaps the most notable was the signing of Russell Wilson, who was released by the Denver Broncos after the 2023 season. The Broncos gave a ton of draft capital to the Seattle Seahawks to acquire Wilson before the 2022 season, and signed him to a record setting contract. His time in Denver was less than spectacular however, and now he finds his former teammates circling their game with the Steelers on the calendar.
Wilson's time in Denver was rocky, especially once Sean Payton arrived as the head coach ahead of the 2023 season. The two never quite got along, and it was clear Wilson wasn't in Payton's long-term plans. Wilson will be heading back to Denver relatively quickly, as the Steelers are on the road to take on the Broncos in Week 2 of the 2024 season. One of Wilson's former teammates, and current Broncos linebacker, Jonas Griffith, recently spoke about the game with 104.3 The Drive.
"I'm really excited. I mean, obviously, for any game I get to play in. I mean, you see that one, you're excited to go out there and, I mean, beat the Steelers first of all. That's a good organization. And maybe, I want to pick off Russ for sure. I think that would be really cool just to pick him off and just get the victory first and foremost."
It's understandable to be excited to go against your former quarterback. A lot of Steelers players will probably feel the same way while they are preparing to take on Kenny Pickett and the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15. Pickett likely won't play, but there will still be some extra motivation to beat his team.
Griffith has been with the Broncos since the 2021 season, meaning he was there when Wilson arrived in 2022 and when he was released after the 2023 season. He got to see the entire rollercoaster that was Wilson's career in Denver.
Wilson was tabbed as "toxic" as soon as he arrived in Denver after being traded. There were rumors that he had his own office within the facility away from his teammates. The way Wilson was portrayed in the national media during his time with the Broncos makes it easy to believe that some of his former teammates may not like him very much. Griffith certainly isn't the only player on that roster hoping to to pick off or hit Wilson.
Wilson had some teammates speak out in support of him during his time with Denver, and he has been nothing but loved by his teammates so far in Pittsburgh. His leadership has been praised by many, including Justin Fields, who is expected to compete with Wilson for the starting job during training camp.
Steelers' Russell Wilson Looking To Bounce Back With Pittsburgh
Wilson's season in 2022 was rough, but he bounced back nicely and performed well in 2023. The Broncos were constantly talked about negatively, which overshadowed how impressive Wilson really was. He threw for 26 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions, which are better numbers than what Pittsburgh got from their quarterbacks during the 2023 season.
This is likely Wilson's last shot to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Thankfully for him, he comes into an offense with a lot of weapons and an improving offensive line. New Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith operates a run-heavy offense, which should make life easier on any quarterback. A successful running game will open up passing lanes, and play-action should work on a consistent basis.
Wilson may never return to his All-Pro self, but he certainly could be the quarterback the Steelers need to capture their first playoff win in seven seasons.
