In a surprising twist in the NFL quarterback market, reports have surfaced that the Pittsburgh Steelers are actively pursuing a trade for Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson. While this news has sent shockwaves through the league, the Steelers’ interest in Wilson isn’t entirely out of left field, given their ongoing search for stability at the quarterback position since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger in 2022.
As speculation builds about the potential deal, both sides have remained tight-lipped on the specifics. However, sources suggest that the Steelers have set a steep asking price for Wilson, whose tenure with the Broncos has been marked by both flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency. In this article, we’ll explore what the Steelers could expect from a potential trade and the factors that will influence the final deal.
Why Russell Wilson?
First, it’s important to understand why the Steelers might be interested in Russell Wilson. After Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers have struggled to find a long-term solution at quarterback. Mitch Trubisky was signed as a free agent, but he was quickly displaced by rookie Kenny Pickett, who showed promise but has yet to prove he can be the franchise leader Pittsburgh needs.
Wilson, despite his struggles in Denver, remains a two-time Super Bowl champion with a career full of elite performances. His mobility, arm strength, and ability to win in high-pressure situations make him an intriguing prospect for a Steelers team in need of a veteran presence to lead the offense. Wilson’s ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket could be exactly what the Steelers need to elevate their offensive scheme, especially as the team looks to make a playoff run in the competitive AFC North.
Steelers Asking Price: What Will It Take?
Sources close to the situation suggest that the Steelers’ asking price for Wilson could be quite high, though exact figures have yet to be confirmed. Several factors will influence the cost of a potential trade, including Wilson’s contract, his performance since arriving in Denver, and the fact that any acquiring team would need to take on a significant portion of his remaining salary.
1. Contract Details
Russell Wilson is under contract with the Denver Broncos through the 2028 season. He signed a five-year, $245 million extension in 2022, and he is set to earn over $20 million annually through the duration of the deal. His 2024 cap hit is around $22 million, which could pose a challenge for any team willing to take on his contract. The Steelers will need to either work out a contract restructure with Wilson or get the Broncos to eat some of the salary cap hit to make a potential trade more financially feasible.
Given the salary cap constraints most teams face, it’s likely that any deal will involve some kind of financial adjustment, whether through a restructured contract or the Broncos absorbing a portion of the money.
2. Draft Capital and Players
In terms of draft compensation, the Steelers could ask for multiple first-round picks—perhaps one in 2024 and one in 2025—along with additional assets like a second-round pick or a couple of promising young players. For the Broncos, trading Wilson would likely require them to rebuild their team, especially with a new head coach and a need for younger talent.
The Steelers might also seek to include veteran players who could immediately contribute to the Broncos’ rebuilding efforts. A player like safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, offensive lineman Najee Harris, or even wide receiver George Pickens could be attractive options for Denver if they’re looking to reload their roster with talent.
3. Wilson’s Recent Play
While Wilson’s résumé includes nine Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl win, his recent play in Denver has raised some concerns. His first season with the Broncos in 2022 was a disappointing one, and though he has shown some signs of improvement in 2023, his performance has been far from elite. In 2023, Wilson’s passer rating, touchdown-to-interception ratio, and overall decision-making have been inconsistent, and many have questioned whether his best years are behind him.
However, the Steelers may view Wilson as an upgrade over their current quarterbacks, particularly given his experience and track record. They might also see a potential to unlock more of his abilities with the right coaching and system. A change of scenery could be exactly what Wilson needs to return to his Pro Bowl form, and Pittsburgh could provide the ideal environment for a rebirth.
What Would a Potential Deal Look Like?
A potential trade between the Steelers and Broncos could unfold in a variety of ways, depending on how the two teams negotiate the financial and asset-based terms. Here are some potential scenarios:
Scenario 1: Straightforward Trade for Picks**
Steelers receive:** Russell Wilson, conditional 2025 draft pick (based on performance)
Broncos receive:** 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 Second-Round Pick, 2024 Third-Round Pick, a young player (e.g., safety Minkah Fitzpatrick or wide receiver George Pickens)
This trade would give the Broncos significant draft capital and a potential building block in exchange for Wilson, who still has high value despite his recent struggles. The Steelers would get a proven quarterback with the potential to lead them to playoff contention.
Scenario 2: Trade with Salary Cap Adjustment
Steelers receive:** Russell Wilson, 2024 Fourth-Round Pick
Broncos receive:** 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 Third-Round Pick, QB Kenny Pickett
In this scenario, the Broncos not only shed the weight of Wilson’s contract but also gain a young quarterback to develop, which could provide a long-term solution. Meanwhile, the Steelers clear up some cap space for 2024 while adding a veteran quarterback to their roster.
What Does This Mean for the Steelers’ Future?
If a deal goes through, the Pittsburgh Steelers could immediately bolster their offensive production. Adding a seasoned veteran like Wilson would allow Pittsburgh to capitalize on their already strong defense and playmakers like George Pickens and Najee Harris. The team would likely go into 2024 with a more win-now mentality, with the expectation that Wilson can elevate the offense and help them contend for the AFC North crown and beyond.
However, the move also comes with risks. If Wilson’s decline continues, the Steelers may end up with a hefty contract on their books without the desired return. Furthermore, the high asking price in draft capital could set back Pittsburgh’s long-term plans, especially if Wilson’s tenure ends up being short-lived.
Conclusion
While the Steelers’ asking price for Russell Wilson remains under wraps, it’s clear that the potential trade would be a significant move for both franchises. If the deal goes through, Pittsburgh would acquire a proven veteran quarterback who still has the tools to be an elite player. However, the trade would come with considerable financial and roster implications, which could affect the Steelers’ long-term outlook. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh and Denver to see if a deal is in the works, and what that could mean for the future of both teams.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
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