Steelers’ Calvin Austin III opens up about Russell Wilson’s strong motives for signing in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers were presented with a unique opportunity during the 2024 offseason. They had the chance to sign a 12-year veteran at quarterback in Russell Wilson for just over $1 million. It’s rare that a team can sign a perennial Pro Bowler for next to nothing, but Wilson’s fractured relationship with the Denver Broncos allowed the Steelers to make an upgrade at quarterback. Wilson also met with the New York Giants in free agency, but ultimately chose Mike Tomlin and the Steelers.

Pittsburgh acquired a Super Bowl-winning quarterback for next to nothing, because he’s still being paid by the Broncos. They’re essentially paying him to play somewhere else. Wilson was benched before the end of the 2023 season, but not because of poor play. He and head coach Sean Payton didn’t get along, and Payton wanted to go somewhere else. Pittsburgh receiver Calvin Austin III recently made a radio appearance and discussed Wilson’s motivation for playing for the Broncos in 2024.

“I think so. I definitely think so. We’re playing them next year at their house, so that’s one we definitely have to get for Russ. He probably said something like, ‘I have to play (the Broncos) next year.'”

Pittsburgh is scheduled to take on the Broncos to open the 2024 season, as they fly to Denver for a Week 2 game. Wilson should certainly hold a grudge over the way he was treated under Payton. He played well in 2024, but was benched and eventually fired for refusing to exercise the injury clause in his contract. Wilson was essentially guaranteed money if he got injured. Payton and the organization didn’t like that, so they benched him.

It was clear that Payton wanted to start over with a younger quarterback and Wilson was not part of his future plans. When Wilson originally arrived in Denver, it was when Nathaniel Hackett was the head coach. He was fired after the first season and Payton came in. Wilson now has his revenge in Week 2, a game the Steelers should win fairly easily.

Wilson’s first year with the Broncos in 2022 was filled with struggles. He underperformed, as did the team, resulting in Hackett’s firing. The team improved in 2023 under Payton, and Wilson was quietly one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL for much of the 2023 season. He finished the year with 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.

The quarterback is now entering his 13th season in the league, and his first in Pittsburgh. This is likely his last chance to be a starting quarterback, as he needs a career revival with the Steelers. He has expressed a desire to get a second contract with the Steelers, but that will only come with a strong performance.

Steelers’ Wilson will have Justin Fields hot on his heels

Wilson wasn’t the only quarterback Pittsburgh added during the 2024 offseason, as they acquired Justin Fields in a trade with the Chicago Bears. Fields is less experienced but also in need of a career revival. Wilson is the presumptive starter for the 2024 season, but Fields will have a chance to compete for the starting job during training camp.

Sitting behind Wilson and learning isn’t a bad idea for Fields, but he’s expressed a strong desire to be a starter. He’s still a young player, so if the Steelers give him a chance and he succeeds, Pittsburgh could have a new franchise quarterback. Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation is in doubt as the team prepares for the 2024 season, but there will be an upgrade at the position from last year.