Russell Wilson has already made a positive impression on his new Pittsburgh Steelers teammates.
The Steelers quickly moved to sign the former Seattle Seahawks signal-caller following his release by the Denver Broncos last month, before trading last year’s starting quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Wilson will be up against another new arrival in Justin Fields for the starting job in Pittsburgh in 2024, but Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has been impressed by what he has seen from Wilson so far.
“I’m very excited for Russ to be part of the team,” Freiermuth told the Around the 412 podcast. “I was just down there in San Diego with him working out and throwing routes.
“He’s been great at talking to guys and starting to build that connection. He’s a great guy. You can tell the drive and determination that he has to win and come to Pittsburgh and win some playoff games for us.
“I think he is going to fit our culture and locker room very well.”
Freiermuth also spoke about the arrival of former first-round draft pick Fields, who the Steelers acquired in a trade from the Chicago Bears after the arrival of Wilson.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about him and he’s a hell of a quarterback,” Freiermuth added.
Russell Wilson’s tenure with the Denver Broncos has come to an end.
The NFL franchise announced Monday that it planned to cut Wilson, 35, making him a free agent.
Wilson, a one-time Super Bowl champion, will now be able to join another team before training for the next season begins this summer.
“Broncos Country, thank you!,” Wilson wrote in a statement on social media. “Over these last two years, you have welcomed my family and me with open arms and have embraced us as members of the Denver community. This city will always hold a special place in my heart. Our family grew here, we made countless memories and friendships, and formed relationships that will last a lifetime.”
Wilson went on to thank his teammates “for being there through it all” during his two seasons with the NFL team.
“There are so many moments I cherish because of you and I am blessed for the impact you have made on my life,” Wilson wrote. “I am beyond grateful for all of you and to have been able to run out as your teammate was an honor.”
Wilson was benched late last season amid a tumultuous year with the team that many speculated would be his last.
The Broncos were 13-21 during Wilson’s two years with the team, missing the playoffs both seasons. Denver has not made the playoffs since winning the Super Bowl in 2016 with former quarterback Peyton Manning.
Wilson joined the Broncos after 10 years with the Seattle Seahawks, with whom he won the Super Bowl in 2014. He and the Seahawks also made the Super Bowl in 2015 but lost to the New England Patriots on the final play of the game when Wilson threw an interception in the endzone.
Wilson’s contract with Denver was originally for five years and $242.6 million. The Broncos will need to pay Wilson $85 million over the next two seasons as a result of cutting him before his contract is over, ESPN reported.
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Wilson, who shares four children with singer Ciara, will officially become a free agent on Wednesday, according to ESPN.
“Tough times don’t last, but tough people do,” Wilson wrote in his statement. “God’s got me. I am excited for what’s next.”
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