What Would Russell Wilson Bring to the Steelers? (+)

After several months of controversy surrounding the quarterback position in Pittsburgh, the Omar Khan is likely just mere days away from answering our questions. On Friday, the Steelers are set to meet with nine-time Pro-Bowler Russell Wilson, who has been informed by Denver that he’ll be released at the start of the new year. To imply that It’s been a wild last couple of years for the 35-year old would be the understatement of the century. With “Mr. Unlimited” looking to revive his career, could Pittsburgh be the right environment to foster his rebirth?

What Russell Wilson does well

Wilson has made a living his entire career of two truly elite traits: his deep ball prowess and playmaking ability. While in Denver, his deep ball metrics have regressed but he’s still a passer that teams fear taking them deep thanks to excellent touch. His patented moon balls allow receivers to run underneath them, often hitting them in stride or at least giving guys chances to compete at the catch point. Even at his age, his arm is still mostly intact, showcasing the ability to throw with plenty of distance down the field.  When throws require velocity, Wilson still has more than enough juice to throw on a line and fit the rock into tight windows. Pushing the ball down the field off play action is one of areas where he excels. We’re talking about a supremely tough passer who flashes savvy pump fakes to move defenders out of position.

The patented Russ moon ball.

It's not hard to envision George Pickens on the receiving end of these chances. pic.twitter.com/go5pii4qtG

— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) March 8, 2024

Wilson’s mobility actually took a step in the right direction last season after slimming down and looked more agile. This was a major factor in improved play in 2023. His game revolves around his creation capacity, with a preference to buy time, move outside of the pocket and make plays on the move. You can move frequently move the launch point with bootlegs and utilize his accuracy on the move. When things are covered up down the field, Wilson has always had the ability to make the offense right by extending plays and making something out of nothing. When Wilson sees a hole in the defense, he still has enough speed to use his legs and the Broncos even sprinkled in a couple of designed QB runs, with him finishing inside the top ten in first downs created in both categories.

Russ still has some out of structure magic in his bag. pic.twitter.com/78flGc8gf9

— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) March 7, 2024

Where Russell Wilson struggles

Because of Wilson’s unique style of play, there have always been drawbacks present and those have become more evident in the last several seasons.