Reports indicate that Russell Wilson will join the Pittsburgh Steelers after his release from the Denver Broncos becomes official. The deal, reported by ESPN and NFL Network on Sunday night, is said to be a one-year agreement.
Wilson, aged 35, is expected to be let go by the Denver Broncos once the new league year kicks off Wednesday, resulting in a significant $85 million dead cap hit for the team over the next two seasons.
According to ESPN, the Steelers have negotiated a favorable deal, with the Broncos covering around $38 million of the guaranteed money owed to Wilson for this season.
The quarterback seemingly confirmed the news with a social media post on Sunday night. Earlier, he was seen traveling to Pittsburgh via Newark International Airport on Friday and had meetings with the New York Giants.
The Steelers, who drafted Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 draft, are seeking competition for the starting quarterback position. Mason Rudolph, who finished the season as the starter, is set to become a free agent.
Both general manager Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin have expressed confidence in Pickett but also openness to bringing in competition for the starting role.
Wilson’s tenure with the Broncos, which began with a high-profile trade and a lucrative contract, encountered difficulties under head coaches Nathaniel Hackett and Sean Payton. After a disappointing first season and a lack of chemistry in the second, his future with the team became uncertain. Amidst midseason discussions about injury guarantees, Wilson was eventually benched for the final two games of the 2023 season.
Before his time with the Broncos, Wilson had a successful career with the Seattle Seahawks, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and helping the team secure a Super Bowl victory in 2013.
