Russell Wilson's unprecedented Pittsburgh Steelers contract move explained
Russell Wilson agreed to a one-year minimum deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers as the Denver Broncos will still pay most of the former Super Bowl champion’s £30million ($38m) salary.
On Sunday night, Wilson confirmed he was to sign with the Steelers after he was cut by the Broncos. The 35-year-old took to X to write: “Year 13. Grateful. @Steelers.”
Pittsburgh will pay Wilson's minimum of £940,000 ($1.21m) while the Broncos pay the remainder of his £30m ($38m) salary. Following his arrival in Denver via a blockbuster trade in 2022, Wilson agreed to a five-year deal worth £188m ($242.6m) but struggled immensely.
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Wilson went 4-11 in 2023 and 7-8 last season before being benched for the final two games of the season. The quarterback claimed the Broncos had threatened to bench him if he didn't push back his £29m ($37m) injury guarantee in his contract.
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But Wilson declined to adjust his deal, starting seven more games before he was benched in favour of Jarrett Stidham. He finished the season - a much improved performance compared to his dire 2022 campaign - with 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions.
Ultimately, Denver will take on an NFL-record £66m ($85m) hit in dead money on its salary cap over the next two seasons because of the release. Last week, the AFC East franchise informed Wilson they would release him when the new league year begins - but gave him permission to speak to other teams in the meantime.
Russell Wilson improved on his dire 2022 season in 2023, throwing for 26 touchdowns (Getty Images)On Friday, Wilson met with the Steelers just one day after he met with the New York Giants as the veteran attempted to sort out his immediate NFL future after two dismal years in Colorado. The acquisition of Wilson means he’s going to compete with Kenny Pickett for the starting role to prove he can still be an effective signal-caller in the league.
Over 10 seasons in Seattle, Wilson was a nine-time Pro Bowler and won Super Bowl XLVIII against the Broncos. He has faced the Steelers twice in his career, going 2-0 against head coach Mike Tomlin with eight touchdown passes, no interceptions, and a 147.1 passer rating.
In 2023, the Steelers lost a Wild Card playoff game to the Buffalo Bills with Mason Rudolph starting at quarterback. Rudolph went 3-0 after replacing Pickett, who was 7-5 before he suffered a high ankle sprain; Rudolph received praise for his performances as his introduction coincided with the Steelers offense pushing the ball downfield effectively.
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