The Pittsburgh Steelers’ fan base has been on an emotional rollercoaster since the 2023 season officially ended following a Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills. The team has plenty of holes on the roster and if you asked the front office two years ago if quarterback would be one of the talking points in the 2024 offseason, they would have vehemently shot down the idea. Kenny Pickett has been underwhelming during his two NFL seasons and talk has shifted from Justin Fields being acquired via trade to Russell Wilson agreeing to sign before the free agency period begins at the beginning of the league’s new year.
Throughout the NFL media world, analysts are dissecting the potential fit in Pittsburgh for Wilson after he reportedly met with the team’s brass on Friday. There has also reportedly been some interest from the New York Giants. The Steelers’ biggest competitor in the Wilson sweepstakes, however, is most likely going to be the Las Vegas Raiders.
Former NFL General Manager Michael Lombardi joined the Pat McAfee Show on Friday shortly after the news broke and was firm in his opinion about which organization makes the most sense for Wilson at this point in his career.
“I think [Pittsburgh] is an ideal situation for him because they’re a good team. They’re always going to be a good team… Here’s the key part for Russell. They’re not going to draft a quarterback. They’re not going to draft a quarterback. So, you’re not worried about somebody coming in.”
Steelers and Giants either have met or are meeting with Russell Wilson. There are expected to be more, including possibly the Raiders, per sources. https://t.co/i9TWkVmFHp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2024
Lombardi makes some solid points. No one can rule out Pittsburgh drafting a signal-caller, but it wouldn’t likely be until the later rounds and the Brock Purdy’s of the world don’t grow on trees. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season and Lombardi seems to believe that could make a big difference for Wilson during his decision-making process.
It’s not just that the Steelers are a good fit, however. It’s also because the Raiders could potentially be a bad one. Wilson is not looking to retire after 2024, so he needs to find a place where he could be the starter for several seasons. He might not get that chance if he stays out in the AFC West. Lombardi expanded on his reasoning behind Las Vegas being a bad fit.
“If he goes to the Raiders, the Raiders trade up to get Jayden Daniels or they draft Bo Nix or somebody else, now all of a sudden, you’ve signed with a team that doesn’t do you any good,” Lombardi said.
The Raiders hold the 13th overall pick. That selection won’t be good enough for the top three quarterbacks, but a move up is always a possibility, as is selecting one of the second-tier quarterbacks like Bo Nix.
Wilson isn’t going to be attracted to the prospect of competing with a rookie quarterback that could potentially be a starter after a week or two of underwhelming play from the veteran. He’s much less likely to get benched in Pittsburgh and doesn’t have to sweat out the draft.
Steelers Would Be Making The Right Move Signing Wilson
It’s fine to believe that Pickett needs a fair shake without Matt Canada calling plays, but it’s not often you have the opportunity to sign a future Hall of Fame candidate for the league minimum. While Wilson may want to sign a two-year deal to guarantee job security, he’s not an expensive addition and has the pedigree and playoff experience. The best fit for him is absolutely in Pittsburgh, and not Las Vegas.
