Russell Wilson Meets with Steelers and Giants as Free Agency Begins
The NFL offseason is in full swing, and one of the biggest names on the market is quarterback Russell Wilson. After a tumultuous two-season run with the Denver Broncos, Wilson is now seeking a fresh start with a new team. According to sources, Wilson has already met with the Pittsburgh Steelers and had an exploratory meeting with the New York Giants.
Exploratory Meeting with the Giants
Wilson’s meeting with the Giants was described as an “exploratory meeting” by league sources. The Giants have expressed their intention to add a quarterback this offseason, whether through free agency or the draft. With Daniel Jones rehabbing a torn ACL and backup Tyrod Taylor set to become a free agent, the Giants are looking to secure a reliable option under center.
The Giants also have the option to part ways with Jones after the 2024 season, with a manageable dead cap hit of $22.2 million in 2025. This flexibility gives them room to pursue other options, such as Wilson, who brings a wealth of experience and success to any team.
Steelers’ Need for Competition
On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in need of competition at the quarterback position. With only Kenny Pickett, their 2022 first-round pick, under contract, the Steelers are looking to bring in additional talent. General manager Omar Khan expressed his confidence in Pickett but also acknowledged the importance of having competition.
“We are excited about Kenny and excited about the impact that [new OC] Arthur Smith is going to have on the offense and on Kenny,” Khan said. “But we also believe in bringing in competition to push our players to be their best.”
The Steelers have a history of adding free agent quarterbacks to their roster, as seen with their signing of former Chicago Bears first-round pick Mitch Trubisky in 2021. However, Trubisky was eventually unseated by Pickett, leading to his release earlier this year. The Steelers are now exploring the possibility of bringing in Wilson to provide a strong challenge for Pickett.
Wilson’s Rocky Time in Denver
Wilson’s time with the Denver Broncos was marked by disappointment and a strained relationship with the team. After going 11-19 in Wilson’s starts and failing to make the playoffs, the Broncos announced his release earlier this week. Coach Sean Payton benched Wilson with two games remaining in the 2023 season, effectively signaling the end of his career in Denver.
The tipping point of the public divorce between Wilson and the Broncos was a conversation during the team’s Week 9 bye. The Broncos wanted Wilson to waive or adjust a $37 million injury guarantee in his contract, which led to tension between the two parties. Wilson claimed that he was threatened with being pulled as the starter if he didn’t comply with the team’s demands.
Looking for a Fresh Start
Now, at 35 years old, Wilson is seeking a fresh start with a new team. After spending his first 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where he was selected to nine Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl, Wilson is ready for a new challenge. He brings an impressive resume, with 43,653 passing yards, 334 touchdowns, and 106 interceptions.
As Wilson continues his tour of potential suitors, other teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, are expected to meet with him. The quarterback carousel is in full swing this offseason, and Wilson’s availability has generated significant interest from teams looking to upgrade their quarterback position.
Conclusion
Russell Wilson’s journey through free agency has begun, with meetings already taking place with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants. Both teams are in need of quarterback options and see Wilson as a potential solution. After a rocky time in Denver, Wilson is eager for a fresh start and a chance to prove himself once again. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see which team ultimately lands the talented quarterback and how he will impact their fortunes on the field.