Russell Wilson’s new contract: How much will the Steelers pay the QB following Broncos exit?

Before the announcement, fans were unsure as to how the nine-time Pro Bowler fit into the Steelers system.

Russell Wilson’s new contract: How much will the Steelers pay the QB following Broncos exit?

Russell Wilson (Image via IMAGO)

Russell Wilson is signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran Super Bowl-winning quarterback had a fruitful interview in Steel Country following his departure from Mile High.

The Denver Broncos permitted Wilson to talk to potential suitors. He flew to Pittsburgh via New Jersey on Friday, first talking to the representatives of the Giants and then the Steelers. Two days later, on Sunday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter announced the 35-year-old’s signing with the Steelers.

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Before the announcement, fans were unsure as to how the nine-time Pro Bowler fit into the Steelers system. The speculation about Wilson signing a contract became more certain after Mitch Trubisky decided to return to the Buffalo Bills. So there is one less player to compete with.

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This only left Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph. Previously, the Steelers stated that Pickett would remain their starter for the 2024 season. However, with Wilson on the team, he will likely get the nod over the 25-year-old.

As for Rudolph, there’s still doubt about whether he will stick around at Acrisure. He is very high on the praise list of general manager Omar Khan, but considering his recent high-level departure from Pittsburgh, there’s no guarantee he will not be released.

Wilson later confirmed the news of his signing with the Steelers. 

Year 13. Grateful. @Steelers.
Wilson wrote on X (formerly Twitter)

How much will Russell Wilson earn at the Pittsburgh Steelers?

As per Schefter, Wilson has agreed to sign a team-friendly one-year $1.2 million deal with the Steelers. He will also bag $38 million from the soon-to-be former team, the Broncos.

Russell Wilson's new contract: How much will the Steelers pay the QB following Broncos exit?
Russell Wilson stands on the sidelines during an NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos on December 31, 2023 (Image via IMAGO)

The Denver franchise cut ties with Wilson just two years after acquiring a blockbuster deal from the Seattle Seahawks. In return for the Super Bowl winner, the Seahawks received two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, quarterback Drew Lock, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, and tight end Noah Fant. 

Wilson still had three more years left on his Broncos contract. By releasing him, they have to digest the $85 million deal cap. It was more than the next two trades combined.

As things stand, he will have to compete with Pickett for the starting job. Pickett’s short tenure in the NFL has not been up to par. His 13-13 touchdown-interception ratio in 25 career games and the league’s worst touchdown percentage (1.8%, minimum 500 pass attempts) does not help his cause.

As a matter of fact, Wilson threw more touchdowns last season (26) alone. He will have the opportunity to work with the new Steelers offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. Smith has prior experience in offensive calling with the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans.

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