Broncos’ $38M Save Russell Wilson as Steelers Refuse Extension of Frugal $1.2M Contract

Russell Wilson began his tenure with the Broncos with a heart full of hope and words full of promises. His ascension to Denver came from a blockbuster trade involving three players and a handful of picks. The Super Bowl champion believed the Seahawks‘ offense was under-utilizing his skills and he was ready to add another ring to his collection. Russell Wilson’s decade of dominance in Seattle won the Broncos over, and they paid him $242.6 million before he even played a snap.

Fast forward 2 years later, Russell Wilson’s world turned upside down when Sean Payton benched him for backup Jarrett Stidham. He would continue to be benched for the last 2 games of the regular season, with the Broncos finally announcing on March 4 that Wilson would be released on March 14 before the start of the next league year. Rejected by Sean Payton and Co., Russell Wilson turned to the Steelers for another chance to prove himself. Steelers signed the 9-time Pro Bowler to a minimum veteran $1.2 million one-year contract.

Now, Steelers reporter Gerry Dulac revealed a setback for Russell Wilson. Reporting on X, Dulac said, “Steelers don’t have any plans as of now to sign either QB, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, to an extension before the season, per sources”. This means that the Steelers quarterback will go through a trial by fire, and get paid only if he comes out unscathed. Although, there is one saving grace.

The Virginia native’s career with the Broncos ended rather brutally. They released Russell Wilson even before his contract extension kicked in, resulting in an $85 million dead cap. To put it bluntly, the Broncos paid unprecedented money to Wilson to leave. However, they still owe him $39 million, out of which $1.21 million was paid by the Steelers. The Broncos’ remaining $37.79 million liability to the quarterback might be what fares him through the immense pressure he faces as the Steelers’ starter. However, it shouldn’t be too hard for Mr. Unlimited.

From day one as a Steeler, the 35-year-old quarterback was clear about this: he was in it for the long haul. Wilson has wasted no time taking the reigns of the offense. During a training camp press conference, Russell Wilson said, “Our mission is to win it all, to win the Super Bowl… I look at it as I have to lead us the way I’m supposed to,” he said. Unfortunately, his frugal contract is not the only thing standing between him and his dream.

Will injury sideline Russell Wilson’s victory campaign?

All was well in the Steelers world, with the players blowing the NFL away with their camaraderie and skills at the training camp. With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at the helm, the team was well on its way to becoming an unstoppable force. Come Thursday, Mike Tomlin demolished those expectations with the news that the Steelers QB1 was dealing with a calf issue and was day-to-day with Justin Fields taking over his reps. NFL Insider Ian Rappoport reported the injury on X.

Fans might find respite in the fact that the injury is not considered serious yet, but rather something the Steelers want to keep an eye on. While there has been no comment from Russell Wilson, Mike Tomlin gave insight into the reason to keep the quarterback out of practice. “Russ woke up today, his calf was tight. It was my decision to sit him down today, create a little short-term discomfort for him, not allowing a small problem to become a bigger problem,” he said. Hopefully, Steelers QB1 will be in the pole position to join practice and continue to put in the work to become a Super Bowl champion once again.