Russell Wilson Refuels Steelers Rumors Amid Link to Mystery Team

08/03/2024 Raymond AMERICAN FOOTBALL 0

Russell Wilson, the quarterback for the Denver Broncos, is still bound to a $242.6 million contract that runs for five more seasons. But since the Broncos let him talk to other teams prior to his official release and free agency, his future is set in stone.

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Wilson will meet with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following the news, Wilson released a message that mentioned an anonymous team.

“With God… ANYTHING is Possible,” Wilson posted on X, formerly Twitter on March 7.

https://twitter.com/DangeRussWilson/status/1765945984339648912

The nine-time Pro Bowler had 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions last season on 66.4% of his passes completed. By designating him as a post-June 1 cut, the Broncos will be able to divide his $85 million salary cost over the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

The Steelers have just over $11 million in cap space, per Spotrac.

That is more than the Broncos, who are $5.5 million over the cap. More importantly, the Broncos still have to pay Wilson $39 million in 2024.

“The Steelers are interested in signing Russell Wilson and are tentatively planning to meet with the former Denver Broncos quarterback before the official start of free agency next week, sources have told the Post-Gazette,” Dulac wrote on March 7.

“Wilson, 35, has an interest in joining the Steelers, but he is already talking with at least one other team.”

Fans certainly believed Wilson’s comments meant he was headed for Pittsburgh.

“THIS MEANS YOURE SIGNING WITH THE STEELERS,” one f an replied.

“WELCOME TO THE STEEL CITY RUSS,” said another.

 

It is unclear who the other team is.
Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins are among the players that are expected to be available as free agents. There is also a highly-touted group of quarterback prospects in this year’s draft. Wilson’s appeal should be increased by the possibility of signing a veteran minimum contract ($1.21 million).

Depending on how free agency plays out, the Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Las Vegas Raiders may all require a quarterback.

Besides the Steelers, rumors have most often linked Wilson to the Atlanta Falcons, partly because of his wife, Ciara.

However, Dulac also points out the Falcons are not unique in having ties to the couple.

“Wilson already has a connection with the Steelers,” Dulac wrote. “He and his wife, Ciara, a Grammy Award-winning singer, are founding partners and equity owners in Evolution Advisers, a joint venture formed by Acrisure, the global insurance broker that owns the naming rights to the North Shore stadium.”