Russell Wilson may play at Empower Field in 2024 after all.
It would just be in the black and gold.
Wilson, who has not even been formally released by the Broncos but is set to be later this week, announced Sunday night that he plans to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Multiple outlets have reported that the sides have an agreement on a one-year contract.
Wilson will likely play at the veteran minimum of $1.21 million because he has $39 million in guaranteed salary from Denver for the 2024 season. The Broncos will pay all of that amount except for Wilson’s salary with a new team, so there’s little incentive for the Steelers to pay him more than the minimum.
Year 13. Grateful. @Steelers pic.twitter.com/0U4Q2sRtXs
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 11, 2024
The Broncos still must actually release Wilson, which they will do sometime between the start of the 2024 NFL league year at 2 p.m. Wednesday and March 17. After they informed Wilson of their intent to release him a week ago, Denver allowed Wilson to begin speaking with other teams as if he were already a free agent.
When they do process his release, Denver will have to account for $85 million in dead salary cap charges over the next two seasons. The Broncos will decide whether to take $35.4 million in 2024 and $49.6 million in 2025 or $53 million in 2024 and $32 million in 2025.
In Pittsburgh, Wilson will play his 13 season for his third team and do so under longtime head coach Mike Tomlin and first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the former Atlanta head coach. Wilson will compete with former first-round draft pick Kenny Pickett for the starting job.
It’s a long way from the mega trade that brought Wilson to Denver just two years ago and the subsequent five-year, $245 million extension, but Wilson has maintained that he’s motivated and excited for the next chapter of his career regardless of where it materializes. Now, it’s in the Steel City.
Oh, and Pittsburgh visits Denver during the 2024 season, so Wilson will be back on the Front Range, perhaps even as the Steelers’ starting quarterback. The NFL usually announces its schedule in early May.
No doubt that game will be a centerpiece of Denver’s schedule and the NFL’s slate.
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