When the Denver Broncos launched quarterback Russell Wilson this previous offseason, most thought his profession as a starter was mainly over. Wilson signed a really cap-friendly one-year take care of the Pittsburgh Steelers for $1.21 million following his launch from Denver.
Wilson took the minimal deal since he was nonetheless assured $39 million for the season because of his prior contract with the Broncos.
Quick-forward to the 2024 season and Wilson has had a season that appears extra like when he was with the Seattle Seahawks than his short-stint with the Broncos. Now, consequently, he may very well be taking a look at a giant pay elevate and extension.
Russell Wilson’s Rebound in 2024
Wilson suffered a calf damage early in coaching camp, which initially sidelined him for 2 weeks. As soon as he healed up, Wilson earned the beginning job over Justin Fields. Nonetheless, it flared up once more late in camp and prevented him from enjoying in Week 1.
Fields ended up beginning not solely Week 1 but additionally the primary six video games of the 12 months and led the Steelers to a 4-2 document. But, head coach Mike Tomlin made the transfer to Wilson as soon as he was wholesome and partly because of the truth that the Steelers misplaced two of three video games after a 3-0 begin.
Since changing into the starter, Wilson has led the Steelers to a playoff berth and are at present sitting atop the AFC North.
Wilson is averaging 236.6 passing yards per recreation this season, which is 14th within the NFL and tied with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Wilson additionally has a strong 15 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in his 9 begins.
Is Wilson Up for a Huge Payday?
The NFL likes winners, and Wilson’s bounce-back 12 months main the Steelers to the playoffs might find yourself with him being handsomely rewarded.
Pittsburgh made a selection this offseason shifting on from Kenny Pickett with the additions of Wilson and Fields, and their purpose was to seek out their future starter for years to return.
FOX Sports activities NFL insider Jordan Schultz joined “The Herd” and is predicting that Wilson may very well be rewarded by Pittsburgh with a deal akin to the extension that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave to Baker Mayfield (three years, $100 million).
“There’s a excellent probability Steelers lengthen Russell Wilson equally to what Tampa did with Baker Mayfield — 3 years, $100 million.”@Schultz_Report to @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/XEyyAz1sT8
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) December 20, 2024
“I believe [the Pittsburg Steelers] imagine they’ve discovered that resolution with Russell Wilson,” Schultz mentioned. “Now we have seen a model of Russell Wilson that compares to Seattle Russell.
“There’s a excellent probability that the Steelers lengthen Russell Wilson equally to what Tampa did with Baker Mayfield which was three years for $100 million.”
Wilson nonetheless has just a few issues to show to earn a possible nine-figure extension, however he appears near incomes some kind of massive payday. Getting Pittsburgh into the playoffs is step one.
Subsequent can be to guide the Steelers to a playoff run with just a few victories and in place for a possible Tremendous Bowl run.