Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo takes questions at a, NFL football news conference Friday, March 17, 2023, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Russell Wilson, Steelers rumor update: Mystery team identified, travel plans
AFC North might have a different QB to contend with in 2024
For every team in the NFL, focusing on your own division is the best way to identify what you need to do for your team. Winning your division guarantees you a home playoff game even if you have a better record than the Wild Card team you are hosting.
For the AFC North, it is really about surviving the best division in football more than anything else. Last year, the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers all made the playoffs but only the Ravens seemed to have a chance to go far due to quarterback play on the other two teams.
The Cincinnati Bengals will get Joe Burrow back this year while the Browns are expecting a return to health, and quality play, from Deshaun Watson. The Ravens got another MVP year from Lamar Jackson which leaves the Steelers as the only team not set at the position.
Multiple reports earlier this offseason seemed to point to Pittsburgh sticking with Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph instead of going for a veteran or trading up in the NFL Draft (despite a recommendation to move TJ Watt to get a QB).
Then came a report that the Steelers were interested in veteran QB Russell Wilson, who isn’t yet a free agent but has been cleared to meet with teams:
Rumors started to fly that there were other teams involved including at least one “mystery team” which many suggested was the Las Vegas Raiders. Today came news that Wilson was on his way to Pittsburgh after a quick stop off to meet with the New York Giants:
Due to offset language in his contract with the Denver Broncos, Wilson is expected to sign for the minimum this year. He can’t make more money signing a slightly larger contract as it would just take Denver off the hook for that amount.
The Steelers have cut a lot of cap space this offseason and added more by releasing DB Patrick Peterson shortly after the Wilson visit news was reported:
Pittsburgh is looking for any kind of upgrade over what they had the last couple of seasons. They already replaced OC Matt Canada with Arthur Smith but relying on Pickett and/or Rudolph would be tough in the AFC North.
Wilson had a bad first year with the Broncos in 2022 but bounced back last year while being reigned in by Sean Payton. He completed 66% of his passes for over 3,000 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. That type of production would be a big improvement on what the Steelers got the last couple of years.
