The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines with their unorthodox decision to kick off free agency by signing Russell Wilson. This bold move has sparked speculation and debate among fans and analysts alike. One Steelers reporter has voiced a particularly noteworthy opinion, suggesting that Wilson’s arrival signals the end of Kenny Pickett’s time in Pittsburgh.

This perspective underscores the magnitude of the Steelers’ quarterback decision and the potential ramifications for the team’s future. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how this unexpected maneuver shapes the Steelers’ quarterback landscape and roster composition.

In his Monday article posted on The Athletic, Mark Kaboly discussed Wilson’s addition to the Steelers, emphasizing its significance. Kaboly suggests that the move signifies a clear direction for the team that could set the Steelers back years in their search for the next franchise quarterback.

“[Mason] Rudolph will likely sign elsewhere, and make no mistake about it, Pickett’s career as a Pittsburgh Steeler is all but over. The Steelers have to decide on Pickett’s fifth-year option next May. I suppose a colossal Wilson failure coupled with a late-season Pickett push could change the youngster’s trajectory, but that’s asking a lot.”

Notably, Kaboly implies that the decision to bring in Wilson could signal the organization’s intent to close the door on Pickett, a quarterback the Steelers drafted in hopes could be the future of the team.

Kaboly’s perspective is clear. With the signing of Wilson, the Steelers are effectively hitting the reset button on their quest for a franchise quarterback. This assertion stems from Wilson’s age—35 years old—which suggests that the team will inevitably face a critical decision once Pickett’s rookie contract expires. The move introduces a slew of variables that are now beyond Pickett’s control.

Notably, this situation differs significantly from past scenarios involving quarterbacks like Mitch Trubisky or Mason Rudolph. Instead, the Steelers are bringing in a nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, signaling a substantial shift in their quarterback strategy.

“You don’t bring in a nine-time Pro Bowler, or better yet, a former Super Bowl champ with a cheap price tag to compete with a third-year quarterback who has thrown only 13 touchdowns in 24 career starts, as Pickett has.”

Kaboly maintains a strong conviction that Wilson will step into the starting quarterback position for the Steelers in 2024, a sentiment echoed by numerous fans of the team. Despite the perception among many Steelers fans that bringing Wilson in on a veteran minimum deal indicates minimal risk, Kaboly outlines a more substantial gamble involved in this decision.

“The catch is that there’s no guarantee Wilson, who agreed to a one-year deal, will be on the Steelers in 2025. Maybe he’ll play so well that he can make more money in free agency, or maybe he’ll fail miserably like he did two years ago and the Steelers won’t want him back.”

During the 2023 season, Wilson started to regain his form, but was ultimately benched due to contract disputes. He was traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Broncos, who inked him to a lucrative five-year deal worth $242 million. The Broncos requested Wilson to restructure his contract, indicating a desire to align financial terms with team objectives. Wilson refused and was benched. Throughout the season, Wilson showcased his talent by throwing for 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, despite the challenges he faced on and off the field.

Steelers’ Future With Kenny Pickett Looking Grim
With Wilson’s arrival, the Steelers face a critical juncture in their quarterback evolution. While the future with Pickett remains uncertain, whether he seizes an opportunity or earns the starting role will undoubtedly captivate Steeler Nation’s attention.

Pickett deserves an opportunity to compete for the starting job. Should he outperform Wilson, it would be a remarkable achievement. However, even if he doesn’t secure the starting role, there’s still potential for growth by learning from Wilson and honing his skills.

As the team navigates this period of transition, the quarterback position will continue to be a focal point of discussion and debate among fans and analysts alike. It’ll be an exciting remainder of the offseason filled with plenty of new faces and lofty expectations.