PITTSBURGH — Standing in entrance of a small group of reporters on the second flooring of an Indianapolis lodge in the course of the 2024 NFL mix, Pittsburgh Steelers basic supervisor Omar Khan expressed “full religion” in quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Ten days later, simply earlier than midnight, Russell Wilson posted a video montage of Steelers followers waving Horrible Towels set to “Renegade” by Styx and tagged the Steelers on his social media platforms, confirming what league sources instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday evening: The Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback and nine-time Professional Bowler will quickly signal with the Steelers on a one-year, team-friendly deal.
In a transfer that defies the Steelers’ conventional team-building strategies and seemingly spurns a foundational tenet of loyalty, Khan’s actions Sunday evening spoke louder than his phrases from lower than two weeks in the past.
Steelers brass stated repeatedly that it needed competitors for the staff’s 2022 first-round decide, however a Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback — even previous his prime — is greater than only a camp arm to push Pickett. Pickett, after all, continues to be below contract, however the competitors to retain the beginning job simply bought that a lot more durable — and it won’t be a contest in any respect.
In signing 35-year-old Wilson, the Steelers are telegraphing their analysis of Pickett, suggesting he is on far more tenuous footing than publicly expressed. The transfer additionally factors to a different inside perception: the Steelers are in a win-now mode and imagine they seem to be a quarterback away from erasing a drought of playoff wins that extends all the way in which again to 2016.
From Wilson’s perspective, the transfer makes excellent sense. In Pittsburgh, Wilson has a transparent path to a beginning job in a company that has a wealthy, successful custom and a well-established construction below a future Corridor of Fame head coach. Schematically, Wilson’s ability set and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s tendencies have the potential to be a match made in soccer heaven.
In his ultimate season in Denver, Wilson had a QBR of 80 when utilizing play motion, in comparison with a QBR of 40 with out it. He threw 11 touchdowns to at least one interception with play motion and averaged 7.4 yards per try. With out play motion, Wilson threw 15 touchdowns to 7 interceptions and averaged 6.7 yards per try.
Throughout his three-year tenure in Atlanta, Smith’s offenses used play motion on the second-highest fee (32%). And in Tennessee, Smith employed an analogous philosophy, constructing a balanced offense because of a formidable floor recreation anchored by Derrick Henry and complementary passing recreation.
Although maligned for his decision-making and struggles in his first season in Denver, Wilson confirmed a dramatic enchancment in his second season previous to his launch. Wilson improved from throwing 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2022 to 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2023. The Steelers have not had a quarterback throw 26 touchdowns in a season since Ben Roethlisberger threw 33 in 2020.
For all his enhancements in 2023, Wilson nonetheless had some hassle by holding on to the ball for too lengthy. His common time to throw (3.06 seconds) was second longest within the league, forward of solely Justin Fields, and final season, the Steelers struggled in move safety, rating seventeenth in move block win fee. Meaning including one other first-round offensive deal with to pair with 2023 first-round decide Broderick Jones is that rather more vital in April’s draft.
In a short-term soccer sense, the addition of Wilson is a lift for the Steelers’ offense. However long run, his signing prompts extra questions than it offers solutions.
With a $1.2 million contract, Wilson makes loads of fiscal sense. In his brief tenure as basic supervisor, Khan has rapidly constructed a fame for wheeling and dealing and discovering good bargains for short-term options, equivalent to his acquisitions of cornerback Patrick Peterson, receiver Allen Robinson, linebacker Kwon Alexander. For a veterans minimal wage, Wilson suits the invoice as a signature Khan signing.
And whereas Wilson expressed a need to win two extra Tremendous Bowls in a latest podcast interview, he realistically has extra days behind him than on the horizon. Wilson is not a long-term answer, and his addition to the Steelers’ quarterback room muddles the way forward for an already unsure place.
The Steelers should make the choice on Pickett’s fifth-year choice in Could 2025. If Wilson does certainly land the beginning job, evaluating Pickett and his capabilities exterior a Matt Canada offense turns into that a lot more durable. And if Pickett would not get any vital enjoying time this yr, choosing up that choice — which began at $22 million for quarterbacks this season — can be financially irresponsible. Does that imply the Steelers can be again available in the market for a quarterback within the 2025 draft? Or possibly in 2026 after Pickett — and even Wilson — performs a ultimate season?
The secure choice was as soon as probably the most anticipated one: re-signing longtime backup and late-season starter Mason Rudolph for a real competitors with Pickett, possibly even one with the scales barely tipped in Pickett’s favor. As a substitute, Wilson’s signing all however shuts the door on Rudolph’s return, and in keeping with a league supply, he is anticipated to check free company.
Sometimes conservative of their strategy to free company with a choice of constructing by the draft, the Steelers are spurning custom for what they hope will probably be a quick-fix discount. It may very well be step one to breaking out of a cycle of mediocrity. Or it may cement their place in a directionless, post-Roethlisberger purgatory.
ESPN Stats and Info contributed to this report.
PITTSBURGH — Standing in entrance of a small group of reporters on the second flooring of an Indianapolis lodge in the course of the 2024 NFL mix, Pittsburgh Steelers basic supervisor Omar Khan expressed “full religion” in quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Ten days later, simply earlier than midnight, Russell Wilson posted a video montage of Steelers followers waving Horrible Towels set to “Renegade” by Styx and tagged the Steelers on his social media platforms, confirming what league sources instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday evening: The Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback and nine-time Professional Bowler will quickly signal with the Steelers on a one-year, team-friendly deal.
In a transfer that defies the Steelers’ conventional team-building strategies and seemingly spurns a foundational tenet of loyalty, Khan’s actions Sunday evening spoke louder than his phrases from lower than two weeks in the past.
Steelers brass stated repeatedly that it needed competitors for the staff’s 2022 first-round decide, however a Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback — even previous his prime — is greater than only a camp arm to push Pickett. Pickett, after all, continues to be below contract, however the competitors to retain the beginning job simply bought that a lot more durable — and it won’t be a contest in any respect.
In signing 35-year-old Wilson, the Steelers are telegraphing their analysis of Pickett, suggesting he is on far more tenuous footing than publicly expressed. The transfer additionally factors to a different inside perception: the Steelers are in a win-now mode and imagine they seem to be a quarterback away from erasing a drought of playoff wins that extends all the way in which again to 2016.
From Wilson’s perspective, the transfer makes excellent sense. In Pittsburgh, Wilson has a transparent path to a beginning job in a company that has a wealthy, successful custom and a well-established construction below a future Corridor of Fame head coach. Schematically, Wilson’s ability set and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s tendencies have the potential to be a match made in soccer heaven.
In his ultimate season in Denver, Wilson had a QBR of 80 when utilizing play motion, in comparison with a QBR of 40 with out it. He threw 11 touchdowns to at least one interception with play motion and averaged 7.4 yards per try. With out play motion, Wilson threw 15 touchdowns to 7 interceptions and averaged 6.7 yards per try.
Throughout his three-year tenure in Atlanta, Smith’s offenses used play motion on the second-highest fee (32%). And in Tennessee, Smith employed an analogous philosophy, constructing a balanced offense because of a formidable floor recreation anchored by Derrick Henry and complementary passing recreation.
Although maligned for his decision-making and struggles in his first season in Denver, Wilson confirmed a dramatic enchancment in his second season previous to his launch. Wilson improved from throwing 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2022 to 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2023. The Steelers have not had a quarterback throw 26 touchdowns in a season since Ben Roethlisberger threw 33 in 2020.
For all his enhancements in 2023, Wilson nonetheless had some hassle by holding on to the ball for too lengthy. His common time to throw (3.06 seconds) was second longest within the league, forward of solely Justin Fields, and final season, the Steelers struggled in move safety, rating seventeenth in move block win fee. Meaning including one other first-round offensive deal with to pair with 2023 first-round decide Broderick Jones is that rather more vital in April’s draft.
In a short-term soccer sense, the addition of Wilson is a lift for the Steelers’ offense. However long run, his signing prompts extra questions than it offers solutions.
With a $1.2 million contract, Wilson makes loads of fiscal sense. In his brief tenure as basic supervisor, Khan has rapidly constructed a fame for wheeling and dealing and discovering good bargains for short-term options, equivalent to his acquisitions of cornerback Patrick Peterson, receiver Allen Robinson, linebacker Kwon Alexander. For a veterans minimal wage, Wilson suits the invoice as a signature Khan signing.
And whereas Wilson expressed a need to win two extra Tremendous Bowls in a latest podcast interview, he realistically has extra days behind him than on the horizon. Wilson is not a long-term answer, and his addition to the Steelers’ quarterback room muddles the way forward for an already unsure place.
The Steelers should make the choice on Pickett’s fifth-year choice in Could 2025. If Wilson does certainly land the beginning job, evaluating Pickett and his capabilities exterior a Matt Canada offense turns into that a lot more durable. And if Pickett would not get any vital enjoying time this yr, choosing up that choice — which began at $22 million for quarterbacks this season — can be financially irresponsible. Does that imply the Steelers can be again available in the market for a quarterback within the 2025 draft? Or possibly in 2026 after Pickett — and even Wilson — performs a ultimate season?
The secure choice was as soon as probably the most anticipated one: re-signing longtime backup and late-season starter Mason Rudolph for a real competitors with Pickett, possibly even one with the scales barely tipped in Pickett’s favor. As a substitute, Wilson’s signing all however shuts the door on Rudolph’s return, and in keeping with a league supply, he is anticipated to check free company.
Sometimes conservative of their strategy to free company with a choice of constructing by the draft, the Steelers are spurning custom for what they hope will probably be a quick-fix discount. It may very well be step one to breaking out of a cycle of mediocrity. Or it may cement their place in a directionless, post-Roethlisberger purgatory.
ESPN Stats and Info contributed to this report.
PITTSBURGH — Standing in entrance of a small group of reporters on the second flooring of an Indianapolis lodge in the course of the 2024 NFL mix, Pittsburgh Steelers basic supervisor Omar Khan expressed “full religion” in quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Ten days later, simply earlier than midnight, Russell Wilson posted a video montage of Steelers followers waving Horrible Towels set to “Renegade” by Styx and tagged the Steelers on his social media platforms, confirming what league sources instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday evening: The Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback and nine-time Professional Bowler will quickly signal with the Steelers on a one-year, team-friendly deal.
In a transfer that defies the Steelers’ conventional team-building strategies and seemingly spurns a foundational tenet of loyalty, Khan’s actions Sunday evening spoke louder than his phrases from lower than two weeks in the past.
Steelers brass stated repeatedly that it needed competitors for the staff’s 2022 first-round decide, however a Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback — even previous his prime — is greater than only a camp arm to push Pickett. Pickett, after all, continues to be below contract, however the competitors to retain the beginning job simply bought that a lot more durable — and it won’t be a contest in any respect.
In signing 35-year-old Wilson, the Steelers are telegraphing their analysis of Pickett, suggesting he is on far more tenuous footing than publicly expressed. The transfer additionally factors to a different inside perception: the Steelers are in a win-now mode and imagine they seem to be a quarterback away from erasing a drought of playoff wins that extends all the way in which again to 2016.
From Wilson’s perspective, the transfer makes excellent sense. In Pittsburgh, Wilson has a transparent path to a beginning job in a company that has a wealthy, successful custom and a well-established construction below a future Corridor of Fame head coach. Schematically, Wilson’s ability set and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s tendencies have the potential to be a match made in soccer heaven.
In his ultimate season in Denver, Wilson had a QBR of 80 when utilizing play motion, in comparison with a QBR of 40 with out it. He threw 11 touchdowns to at least one interception with play motion and averaged 7.4 yards per try. With out play motion, Wilson threw 15 touchdowns to 7 interceptions and averaged 6.7 yards per try.
Throughout his three-year tenure in Atlanta, Smith’s offenses used play motion on the second-highest fee (32%). And in Tennessee, Smith employed an analogous philosophy, constructing a balanced offense because of a formidable floor recreation anchored by Derrick Henry and complementary passing recreation.
Although maligned for his decision-making and struggles in his first season in Denver, Wilson confirmed a dramatic enchancment in his second season previous to his launch. Wilson improved from throwing 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2022 to 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2023. The Steelers have not had a quarterback throw 26 touchdowns in a season since Ben Roethlisberger threw 33 in 2020.
For all his enhancements in 2023, Wilson nonetheless had some hassle by holding on to the ball for too lengthy. His common time to throw (3.06 seconds) was second longest within the league, forward of solely Justin Fields, and final season, the Steelers struggled in move safety, rating seventeenth in move block win fee. Meaning including one other first-round offensive deal with to pair with 2023 first-round decide Broderick Jones is that rather more vital in April’s draft.
In a short-term soccer sense, the addition of Wilson is a lift for the Steelers’ offense. However long run, his signing prompts extra questions than it offers solutions.
With a $1.2 million contract, Wilson makes loads of fiscal sense. In his brief tenure as basic supervisor, Khan has rapidly constructed a fame for wheeling and dealing and discovering good bargains for short-term options, equivalent to his acquisitions of cornerback Patrick Peterson, receiver Allen Robinson, linebacker Kwon Alexander. For a veterans minimal wage, Wilson suits the invoice as a signature Khan signing.
And whereas Wilson expressed a need to win two extra Tremendous Bowls in a latest podcast interview, he realistically has extra days behind him than on the horizon. Wilson is not a long-term answer, and his addition to the Steelers’ quarterback room muddles the way forward for an already unsure place.
The Steelers should make the choice on Pickett’s fifth-year choice in Could 2025. If Wilson does certainly land the beginning job, evaluating Pickett and his capabilities exterior a Matt Canada offense turns into that a lot more durable. And if Pickett would not get any vital enjoying time this yr, choosing up that choice — which began at $22 million for quarterbacks this season — can be financially irresponsible. Does that imply the Steelers can be again available in the market for a quarterback within the 2025 draft? Or possibly in 2026 after Pickett — and even Wilson — performs a ultimate season?
The secure choice was as soon as probably the most anticipated one: re-signing longtime backup and late-season starter Mason Rudolph for a real competitors with Pickett, possibly even one with the scales barely tipped in Pickett’s favor. As a substitute, Wilson’s signing all however shuts the door on Rudolph’s return, and in keeping with a league supply, he is anticipated to check free company.
Sometimes conservative of their strategy to free company with a choice of constructing by the draft, the Steelers are spurning custom for what they hope will probably be a quick-fix discount. It may very well be step one to breaking out of a cycle of mediocrity. Or it may cement their place in a directionless, post-Roethlisberger purgatory.
ESPN Stats and Info contributed to this report.
PITTSBURGH — Standing in entrance of a small group of reporters on the second flooring of an Indianapolis lodge in the course of the 2024 NFL mix, Pittsburgh Steelers basic supervisor Omar Khan expressed “full religion” in quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Ten days later, simply earlier than midnight, Russell Wilson posted a video montage of Steelers followers waving Horrible Towels set to “Renegade” by Styx and tagged the Steelers on his social media platforms, confirming what league sources instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday evening: The Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback and nine-time Professional Bowler will quickly signal with the Steelers on a one-year, team-friendly deal.
In a transfer that defies the Steelers’ conventional team-building strategies and seemingly spurns a foundational tenet of loyalty, Khan’s actions Sunday evening spoke louder than his phrases from lower than two weeks in the past.
Steelers brass stated repeatedly that it needed competitors for the staff’s 2022 first-round decide, however a Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback — even previous his prime — is greater than only a camp arm to push Pickett. Pickett, after all, continues to be below contract, however the competitors to retain the beginning job simply bought that a lot more durable — and it won’t be a contest in any respect.
In signing 35-year-old Wilson, the Steelers are telegraphing their analysis of Pickett, suggesting he is on far more tenuous footing than publicly expressed. The transfer additionally factors to a different inside perception: the Steelers are in a win-now mode and imagine they seem to be a quarterback away from erasing a drought of playoff wins that extends all the way in which again to 2016.
From Wilson’s perspective, the transfer makes excellent sense. In Pittsburgh, Wilson has a transparent path to a beginning job in a company that has a wealthy, successful custom and a well-established construction below a future Corridor of Fame head coach. Schematically, Wilson’s ability set and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s tendencies have the potential to be a match made in soccer heaven.
In his ultimate season in Denver, Wilson had a QBR of 80 when utilizing play motion, in comparison with a QBR of 40 with out it. He threw 11 touchdowns to at least one interception with play motion and averaged 7.4 yards per try. With out play motion, Wilson threw 15 touchdowns to 7 interceptions and averaged 6.7 yards per try.
Throughout his three-year tenure in Atlanta, Smith’s offenses used play motion on the second-highest fee (32%). And in Tennessee, Smith employed an analogous philosophy, constructing a balanced offense because of a formidable floor recreation anchored by Derrick Henry and complementary passing recreation.
Although maligned for his decision-making and struggles in his first season in Denver, Wilson confirmed a dramatic enchancment in his second season previous to his launch. Wilson improved from throwing 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2022 to 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2023. The Steelers have not had a quarterback throw 26 touchdowns in a season since Ben Roethlisberger threw 33 in 2020.
For all his enhancements in 2023, Wilson nonetheless had some hassle by holding on to the ball for too lengthy. His common time to throw (3.06 seconds) was second longest within the league, forward of solely Justin Fields, and final season, the Steelers struggled in move safety, rating seventeenth in move block win fee. Meaning including one other first-round offensive deal with to pair with 2023 first-round decide Broderick Jones is that rather more vital in April’s draft.
In a short-term soccer sense, the addition of Wilson is a lift for the Steelers’ offense. However long run, his signing prompts extra questions than it offers solutions.
With a $1.2 million contract, Wilson makes loads of fiscal sense. In his brief tenure as basic supervisor, Khan has rapidly constructed a fame for wheeling and dealing and discovering good bargains for short-term options, equivalent to his acquisitions of cornerback Patrick Peterson, receiver Allen Robinson, linebacker Kwon Alexander. For a veterans minimal wage, Wilson suits the invoice as a signature Khan signing.
And whereas Wilson expressed a need to win two extra Tremendous Bowls in a latest podcast interview, he realistically has extra days behind him than on the horizon. Wilson is not a long-term answer, and his addition to the Steelers’ quarterback room muddles the way forward for an already unsure place.
The Steelers should make the choice on Pickett’s fifth-year choice in Could 2025. If Wilson does certainly land the beginning job, evaluating Pickett and his capabilities exterior a Matt Canada offense turns into that a lot more durable. And if Pickett would not get any vital enjoying time this yr, choosing up that choice — which began at $22 million for quarterbacks this season — can be financially irresponsible. Does that imply the Steelers can be again available in the market for a quarterback within the 2025 draft? Or possibly in 2026 after Pickett — and even Wilson — performs a ultimate season?
The secure choice was as soon as probably the most anticipated one: re-signing longtime backup and late-season starter Mason Rudolph for a real competitors with Pickett, possibly even one with the scales barely tipped in Pickett’s favor. As a substitute, Wilson’s signing all however shuts the door on Rudolph’s return, and in keeping with a league supply, he is anticipated to check free company.
Sometimes conservative of their strategy to free company with a choice of constructing by the draft, the Steelers are spurning custom for what they hope will probably be a quick-fix discount. It may very well be step one to breaking out of a cycle of mediocrity. Or it may cement their place in a directionless, post-Roethlisberger purgatory.
ESPN Stats and Info contributed to this report.
PITTSBURGH — Standing in entrance of a small group of reporters on the second flooring of an Indianapolis lodge in the course of the 2024 NFL mix, Pittsburgh Steelers basic supervisor Omar Khan expressed “full religion” in quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Ten days later, simply earlier than midnight, Russell Wilson posted a video montage of Steelers followers waving Horrible Towels set to “Renegade” by Styx and tagged the Steelers on his social media platforms, confirming what league sources instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday evening: The Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback and nine-time Professional Bowler will quickly signal with the Steelers on a one-year, team-friendly deal.
In a transfer that defies the Steelers’ conventional team-building strategies and seemingly spurns a foundational tenet of loyalty, Khan’s actions Sunday evening spoke louder than his phrases from lower than two weeks in the past.
Steelers brass stated repeatedly that it needed competitors for the staff’s 2022 first-round decide, however a Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback — even previous his prime — is greater than only a camp arm to push Pickett. Pickett, after all, continues to be below contract, however the competitors to retain the beginning job simply bought that a lot more durable — and it won’t be a contest in any respect.
In signing 35-year-old Wilson, the Steelers are telegraphing their analysis of Pickett, suggesting he is on far more tenuous footing than publicly expressed. The transfer additionally factors to a different inside perception: the Steelers are in a win-now mode and imagine they seem to be a quarterback away from erasing a drought of playoff wins that extends all the way in which again to 2016.
From Wilson’s perspective, the transfer makes excellent sense. In Pittsburgh, Wilson has a transparent path to a beginning job in a company that has a wealthy, successful custom and a well-established construction below a future Corridor of Fame head coach. Schematically, Wilson’s ability set and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s tendencies have the potential to be a match made in soccer heaven.
In his ultimate season in Denver, Wilson had a QBR of 80 when utilizing play motion, in comparison with a QBR of 40 with out it. He threw 11 touchdowns to at least one interception with play motion and averaged 7.4 yards per try. With out play motion, Wilson threw 15 touchdowns to 7 interceptions and averaged 6.7 yards per try.
Throughout his three-year tenure in Atlanta, Smith’s offenses used play motion on the second-highest fee (32%). And in Tennessee, Smith employed an analogous philosophy, constructing a balanced offense because of a formidable floor recreation anchored by Derrick Henry and complementary passing recreation.
Although maligned for his decision-making and struggles in his first season in Denver, Wilson confirmed a dramatic enchancment in his second season previous to his launch. Wilson improved from throwing 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2022 to 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2023. The Steelers have not had a quarterback throw 26 touchdowns in a season since Ben Roethlisberger threw 33 in 2020.
For all his enhancements in 2023, Wilson nonetheless had some hassle by holding on to the ball for too lengthy. His common time to throw (3.06 seconds) was second longest within the league, forward of solely Justin Fields, and final season, the Steelers struggled in move safety, rating seventeenth in move block win fee. Meaning including one other first-round offensive deal with to pair with 2023 first-round decide Broderick Jones is that rather more vital in April’s draft.
In a short-term soccer sense, the addition of Wilson is a lift for the Steelers’ offense. However long run, his signing prompts extra questions than it offers solutions.
With a $1.2 million contract, Wilson makes loads of fiscal sense. In his brief tenure as basic supervisor, Khan has rapidly constructed a fame for wheeling and dealing and discovering good bargains for short-term options, equivalent to his acquisitions of cornerback Patrick Peterson, receiver Allen Robinson, linebacker Kwon Alexander. For a veterans minimal wage, Wilson suits the invoice as a signature Khan signing.
And whereas Wilson expressed a need to win two extra Tremendous Bowls in a latest podcast interview, he realistically has extra days behind him than on the horizon. Wilson is not a long-term answer, and his addition to the Steelers’ quarterback room muddles the way forward for an already unsure place.
The Steelers should make the choice on Pickett’s fifth-year choice in Could 2025. If Wilson does certainly land the beginning job, evaluating Pickett and his capabilities exterior a Matt Canada offense turns into that a lot more durable. And if Pickett would not get any vital enjoying time this yr, choosing up that choice — which began at $22 million for quarterbacks this season — can be financially irresponsible. Does that imply the Steelers can be again available in the market for a quarterback within the 2025 draft? Or possibly in 2026 after Pickett — and even Wilson — performs a ultimate season?
The secure choice was as soon as probably the most anticipated one: re-signing longtime backup and late-season starter Mason Rudolph for a real competitors with Pickett, possibly even one with the scales barely tipped in Pickett’s favor. As a substitute, Wilson’s signing all however shuts the door on Rudolph’s return, and in keeping with a league supply, he is anticipated to check free company.
Sometimes conservative of their strategy to free company with a choice of constructing by the draft, the Steelers are spurning custom for what they hope will probably be a quick-fix discount. It may very well be step one to breaking out of a cycle of mediocrity. Or it may cement their place in a directionless, post-Roethlisberger purgatory.
ESPN Stats and Info contributed to this report.
PITTSBURGH — Standing in entrance of a small group of reporters on the second flooring of an Indianapolis lodge in the course of the 2024 NFL mix, Pittsburgh Steelers basic supervisor Omar Khan expressed “full religion” in quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Ten days later, simply earlier than midnight, Russell Wilson posted a video montage of Steelers followers waving Horrible Towels set to “Renegade” by Styx and tagged the Steelers on his social media platforms, confirming what league sources instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday evening: The Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback and nine-time Professional Bowler will quickly signal with the Steelers on a one-year, team-friendly deal.
In a transfer that defies the Steelers’ conventional team-building strategies and seemingly spurns a foundational tenet of loyalty, Khan’s actions Sunday evening spoke louder than his phrases from lower than two weeks in the past.
Steelers brass stated repeatedly that it needed competitors for the staff’s 2022 first-round decide, however a Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback — even previous his prime — is greater than only a camp arm to push Pickett. Pickett, after all, continues to be below contract, however the competitors to retain the beginning job simply bought that a lot more durable — and it won’t be a contest in any respect.
In signing 35-year-old Wilson, the Steelers are telegraphing their analysis of Pickett, suggesting he is on far more tenuous footing than publicly expressed. The transfer additionally factors to a different inside perception: the Steelers are in a win-now mode and imagine they seem to be a quarterback away from erasing a drought of playoff wins that extends all the way in which again to 2016.
From Wilson’s perspective, the transfer makes excellent sense. In Pittsburgh, Wilson has a transparent path to a beginning job in a company that has a wealthy, successful custom and a well-established construction below a future Corridor of Fame head coach. Schematically, Wilson’s ability set and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s tendencies have the potential to be a match made in soccer heaven.
In his ultimate season in Denver, Wilson had a QBR of 80 when utilizing play motion, in comparison with a QBR of 40 with out it. He threw 11 touchdowns to at least one interception with play motion and averaged 7.4 yards per try. With out play motion, Wilson threw 15 touchdowns to 7 interceptions and averaged 6.7 yards per try.
Throughout his three-year tenure in Atlanta, Smith’s offenses used play motion on the second-highest fee (32%). And in Tennessee, Smith employed an analogous philosophy, constructing a balanced offense because of a formidable floor recreation anchored by Derrick Henry and complementary passing recreation.
Although maligned for his decision-making and struggles in his first season in Denver, Wilson confirmed a dramatic enchancment in his second season previous to his launch. Wilson improved from throwing 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2022 to 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2023. The Steelers have not had a quarterback throw 26 touchdowns in a season since Ben Roethlisberger threw 33 in 2020.
For all his enhancements in 2023, Wilson nonetheless had some hassle by holding on to the ball for too lengthy. His common time to throw (3.06 seconds) was second longest within the league, forward of solely Justin Fields, and final season, the Steelers struggled in move safety, rating seventeenth in move block win fee. Meaning including one other first-round offensive deal with to pair with 2023 first-round decide Broderick Jones is that rather more vital in April’s draft.
In a short-term soccer sense, the addition of Wilson is a lift for the Steelers’ offense. However long run, his signing prompts extra questions than it offers solutions.
With a $1.2 million contract, Wilson makes loads of fiscal sense. In his brief tenure as basic supervisor, Khan has rapidly constructed a fame for wheeling and dealing and discovering good bargains for short-term options, equivalent to his acquisitions of cornerback Patrick Peterson, receiver Allen Robinson, linebacker Kwon Alexander. For a veterans minimal wage, Wilson suits the invoice as a signature Khan signing.
And whereas Wilson expressed a need to win two extra Tremendous Bowls in a latest podcast interview, he realistically has extra days behind him than on the horizon. Wilson is not a long-term answer, and his addition to the Steelers’ quarterback room muddles the way forward for an already unsure place.
The Steelers should make the choice on Pickett’s fifth-year choice in Could 2025. If Wilson does certainly land the beginning job, evaluating Pickett and his capabilities exterior a Matt Canada offense turns into that a lot more durable. And if Pickett would not get any vital enjoying time this yr, choosing up that choice — which began at $22 million for quarterbacks this season — can be financially irresponsible. Does that imply the Steelers can be again available in the market for a quarterback within the 2025 draft? Or possibly in 2026 after Pickett — and even Wilson — performs a ultimate season?
The secure choice was as soon as probably the most anticipated one: re-signing longtime backup and late-season starter Mason Rudolph for a real competitors with Pickett, possibly even one with the scales barely tipped in Pickett’s favor. As a substitute, Wilson’s signing all however shuts the door on Rudolph’s return, and in keeping with a league supply, he is anticipated to check free company.
Sometimes conservative of their strategy to free company with a choice of constructing by the draft, the Steelers are spurning custom for what they hope will probably be a quick-fix discount. It may very well be step one to breaking out of a cycle of mediocrity. Or it may cement their place in a directionless, post-Roethlisberger purgatory.
ESPN Stats and Info contributed to this report.
PITTSBURGH — Standing in entrance of a small group of reporters on the second flooring of an Indianapolis lodge in the course of the 2024 NFL mix, Pittsburgh Steelers basic supervisor Omar Khan expressed “full religion” in quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Ten days later, simply earlier than midnight, Russell Wilson posted a video montage of Steelers followers waving Horrible Towels set to “Renegade” by Styx and tagged the Steelers on his social media platforms, confirming what league sources instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday evening: The Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback and nine-time Professional Bowler will quickly signal with the Steelers on a one-year, team-friendly deal.
In a transfer that defies the Steelers’ conventional team-building strategies and seemingly spurns a foundational tenet of loyalty, Khan’s actions Sunday evening spoke louder than his phrases from lower than two weeks in the past.
Steelers brass stated repeatedly that it needed competitors for the staff’s 2022 first-round decide, however a Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback — even previous his prime — is greater than only a camp arm to push Pickett. Pickett, after all, continues to be below contract, however the competitors to retain the beginning job simply bought that a lot more durable — and it won’t be a contest in any respect.
In signing 35-year-old Wilson, the Steelers are telegraphing their analysis of Pickett, suggesting he is on far more tenuous footing than publicly expressed. The transfer additionally factors to a different inside perception: the Steelers are in a win-now mode and imagine they seem to be a quarterback away from erasing a drought of playoff wins that extends all the way in which again to 2016.
From Wilson’s perspective, the transfer makes excellent sense. In Pittsburgh, Wilson has a transparent path to a beginning job in a company that has a wealthy, successful custom and a well-established construction below a future Corridor of Fame head coach. Schematically, Wilson’s ability set and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s tendencies have the potential to be a match made in soccer heaven.
In his ultimate season in Denver, Wilson had a QBR of 80 when utilizing play motion, in comparison with a QBR of 40 with out it. He threw 11 touchdowns to at least one interception with play motion and averaged 7.4 yards per try. With out play motion, Wilson threw 15 touchdowns to 7 interceptions and averaged 6.7 yards per try.
Throughout his three-year tenure in Atlanta, Smith’s offenses used play motion on the second-highest fee (32%). And in Tennessee, Smith employed an analogous philosophy, constructing a balanced offense because of a formidable floor recreation anchored by Derrick Henry and complementary passing recreation.
Although maligned for his decision-making and struggles in his first season in Denver, Wilson confirmed a dramatic enchancment in his second season previous to his launch. Wilson improved from throwing 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2022 to 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2023. The Steelers have not had a quarterback throw 26 touchdowns in a season since Ben Roethlisberger threw 33 in 2020.
For all his enhancements in 2023, Wilson nonetheless had some hassle by holding on to the ball for too lengthy. His common time to throw (3.06 seconds) was second longest within the league, forward of solely Justin Fields, and final season, the Steelers struggled in move safety, rating seventeenth in move block win fee. Meaning including one other first-round offensive deal with to pair with 2023 first-round decide Broderick Jones is that rather more vital in April’s draft.
In a short-term soccer sense, the addition of Wilson is a lift for the Steelers’ offense. However long run, his signing prompts extra questions than it offers solutions.
With a $1.2 million contract, Wilson makes loads of fiscal sense. In his brief tenure as basic supervisor, Khan has rapidly constructed a fame for wheeling and dealing and discovering good bargains for short-term options, equivalent to his acquisitions of cornerback Patrick Peterson, receiver Allen Robinson, linebacker Kwon Alexander. For a veterans minimal wage, Wilson suits the invoice as a signature Khan signing.
And whereas Wilson expressed a need to win two extra Tremendous Bowls in a latest podcast interview, he realistically has extra days behind him than on the horizon. Wilson is not a long-term answer, and his addition to the Steelers’ quarterback room muddles the way forward for an already unsure place.
The Steelers should make the choice on Pickett’s fifth-year choice in Could 2025. If Wilson does certainly land the beginning job, evaluating Pickett and his capabilities exterior a Matt Canada offense turns into that a lot more durable. And if Pickett would not get any vital enjoying time this yr, choosing up that choice — which began at $22 million for quarterbacks this season — can be financially irresponsible. Does that imply the Steelers can be again available in the market for a quarterback within the 2025 draft? Or possibly in 2026 after Pickett — and even Wilson — performs a ultimate season?
The secure choice was as soon as probably the most anticipated one: re-signing longtime backup and late-season starter Mason Rudolph for a real competitors with Pickett, possibly even one with the scales barely tipped in Pickett’s favor. As a substitute, Wilson’s signing all however shuts the door on Rudolph’s return, and in keeping with a league supply, he is anticipated to check free company.
Sometimes conservative of their strategy to free company with a choice of constructing by the draft, the Steelers are spurning custom for what they hope will probably be a quick-fix discount. It may very well be step one to breaking out of a cycle of mediocrity. Or it may cement their place in a directionless, post-Roethlisberger purgatory.
ESPN Stats and Info contributed to this report.
PITTSBURGH — Standing in entrance of a small group of reporters on the second flooring of an Indianapolis lodge in the course of the 2024 NFL mix, Pittsburgh Steelers basic supervisor Omar Khan expressed “full religion” in quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Ten days later, simply earlier than midnight, Russell Wilson posted a video montage of Steelers followers waving Horrible Towels set to “Renegade” by Styx and tagged the Steelers on his social media platforms, confirming what league sources instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday evening: The Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback and nine-time Professional Bowler will quickly signal with the Steelers on a one-year, team-friendly deal.
In a transfer that defies the Steelers’ conventional team-building strategies and seemingly spurns a foundational tenet of loyalty, Khan’s actions Sunday evening spoke louder than his phrases from lower than two weeks in the past.
Steelers brass stated repeatedly that it needed competitors for the staff’s 2022 first-round decide, however a Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback — even previous his prime — is greater than only a camp arm to push Pickett. Pickett, after all, continues to be below contract, however the competitors to retain the beginning job simply bought that a lot more durable — and it won’t be a contest in any respect.
In signing 35-year-old Wilson, the Steelers are telegraphing their analysis of Pickett, suggesting he is on far more tenuous footing than publicly expressed. The transfer additionally factors to a different inside perception: the Steelers are in a win-now mode and imagine they seem to be a quarterback away from erasing a drought of playoff wins that extends all the way in which again to 2016.
From Wilson’s perspective, the transfer makes excellent sense. In Pittsburgh, Wilson has a transparent path to a beginning job in a company that has a wealthy, successful custom and a well-established construction below a future Corridor of Fame head coach. Schematically, Wilson’s ability set and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s tendencies have the potential to be a match made in soccer heaven.
In his ultimate season in Denver, Wilson had a QBR of 80 when utilizing play motion, in comparison with a QBR of 40 with out it. He threw 11 touchdowns to at least one interception with play motion and averaged 7.4 yards per try. With out play motion, Wilson threw 15 touchdowns to 7 interceptions and averaged 6.7 yards per try.
Throughout his three-year tenure in Atlanta, Smith’s offenses used play motion on the second-highest fee (32%). And in Tennessee, Smith employed an analogous philosophy, constructing a balanced offense because of a formidable floor recreation anchored by Derrick Henry and complementary passing recreation.
Although maligned for his decision-making and struggles in his first season in Denver, Wilson confirmed a dramatic enchancment in his second season previous to his launch. Wilson improved from throwing 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2022 to 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2023. The Steelers have not had a quarterback throw 26 touchdowns in a season since Ben Roethlisberger threw 33 in 2020.
For all his enhancements in 2023, Wilson nonetheless had some hassle by holding on to the ball for too lengthy. His common time to throw (3.06 seconds) was second longest within the league, forward of solely Justin Fields, and final season, the Steelers struggled in move safety, rating seventeenth in move block win fee. Meaning including one other first-round offensive deal with to pair with 2023 first-round decide Broderick Jones is that rather more vital in April’s draft.
In a short-term soccer sense, the addition of Wilson is a lift for the Steelers’ offense. However long run, his signing prompts extra questions than it offers solutions.
With a $1.2 million contract, Wilson makes loads of fiscal sense. In his brief tenure as basic supervisor, Khan has rapidly constructed a fame for wheeling and dealing and discovering good bargains for short-term options, equivalent to his acquisitions of cornerback Patrick Peterson, receiver Allen Robinson, linebacker Kwon Alexander. For a veterans minimal wage, Wilson suits the invoice as a signature Khan signing.
And whereas Wilson expressed a need to win two extra Tremendous Bowls in a latest podcast interview, he realistically has extra days behind him than on the horizon. Wilson is not a long-term answer, and his addition to the Steelers’ quarterback room muddles the way forward for an already unsure place.
The Steelers should make the choice on Pickett’s fifth-year choice in Could 2025. If Wilson does certainly land the beginning job, evaluating Pickett and his capabilities exterior a Matt Canada offense turns into that a lot more durable. And if Pickett would not get any vital enjoying time this yr, choosing up that choice — which began at $22 million for quarterbacks this season — can be financially irresponsible. Does that imply the Steelers can be again available in the market for a quarterback within the 2025 draft? Or possibly in 2026 after Pickett — and even Wilson — performs a ultimate season?
The secure choice was as soon as probably the most anticipated one: re-signing longtime backup and late-season starter Mason Rudolph for a real competitors with Pickett, possibly even one with the scales barely tipped in Pickett’s favor. As a substitute, Wilson’s signing all however shuts the door on Rudolph’s return, and in keeping with a league supply, he is anticipated to check free company.
Sometimes conservative of their strategy to free company with a choice of constructing by the draft, the Steelers are spurning custom for what they hope will probably be a quick-fix discount. It may very well be step one to breaking out of a cycle of mediocrity. Or it may cement their place in a directionless, post-Roethlisberger purgatory.
ESPN Stats and Info contributed to this report.