Russell Wilson’s Positive Start with the Steelers Signals Rebound After Turbulent Tenure in Denver

Since joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, Russell Wilson has received positive early reviews, a stark contrast to his turbulent experiences in Denver and Seattle. According to a player within the Steelers organization speaking to The Athletic, Wilson is perceived as a cool, genuine individual.

During his time with the Denver Broncos, Wilson faced challenges, including criticisms from former Seattle Seahawks like Richard Sherman and K.J. Wright. Sherman and Doug Baldwin Jr. expressed displeasure over perceived special treatment Wilson received under Pete Carroll‘s coaching.

As Wilson’s tenure with the Broncos progressed, coach Sean Payton publicly called for Wilson to focus more on football and less on extraneous activities, leading to a strained relationship between player and coach throughout the season.

Despite a decent 2023 season with the Broncos, Wilson was benched in the final two games before his release, incurring significant dead cap for Denver. The Steelers now represent a fresh start for Wilson on a modest one-year deal.

Wilson’s arrival in Pittsburgh comes at a bargain price compared to his previous contract, with the quarterback highlighting the opportunity for the Steelers to strengthen the team further with the cap space saved. The Steelers have already utilized this flexibility to sign prominent players like Dion Dawkins, Devin McCourty, and Emmanuel Sanders.

With additional cap space available, the Steelers remain in the market for a veteran wideout, potentially targeting the likes of Allen Robinson or other notable free agents. Moreover, the prospect of acquiring Justin Fields remains open, offering Pittsburgh options for future quarterback developments.

Although signed for just 2024, Wilson is optimistic about his future with the Steelers, expressing a desire to contribute to the community and pursue championship success in Pittsburgh for years to come.