The fate of the QB is tied with the guards who are responsible for protecting them. Their chemistry often decides the result of the game. While protecting Russell Wilson on the gridiron, Quinn Meinerz has earned the respect of the legend. It was evident when Wilson congratulated him through an Instagram story.

The Belly will remain with the Denver Broncos till the 2028 season as he signed a 4-year deal for $80 million with $45 million guaranteed. Mr Unlimited praised the Guard’s work ethic before adding that he loved being his teammate. Meinerz is making strides with each passing sign and climbing up the popularity leader.

Moments when Quinn Meinerz and Russell Wilson praised each other

The Belly became a Bronco in 2021 after being selected as the 98th overall third-round draft pick. One year later, they became teammates when the QB signed a five-year, $245 million contract extension. Showing his excitement upon hearing the news, the Guard said, “I’m really excited to play with another player like that [who], in this league, is so respected and is such a great quarterback and a great player. As I keep unfolding in my young career, I’m excited to learn and take some piece of his game and see how I can put it in mine and just see what I can learn from him. It’s going to be an honor to try to win a lot of games with him this year and be able to protect him.” They earned mutual respect while playing together.

Impressed by the Guard’s towering stature, Wilson said in August 2023 that “Meinerz is probably 345 pounds and all muscle.” Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton affirmed the QB’s statement in June 2024 and said, “Certainly, he’s a powerful, sticky run blocker. He does a lot of things extremely well.” But the aging QB had a different 2022 and 2023 season than the rising Guard.

Wilson was the most sacked QB of the 2022 season. The 2023 season, too, did not go well for him as he was benched for the last 2 games. A few members of Broncos Country also attacked Wilson when the team’s first 2023 win came in the match in which he was not playing. Pittsburgh Steelers signed a one-year contract with the QB for his minimum fee of $1.2 million. On the other hand, The Belly’s contract extension has made him the fourth highest-paid guard (annual salary-wise) in the NFL. In 2024, the friends are positioned against each other.

Wilson is a legend of the game and Steeler Nation will be backing their QB in the coming season. Let’s explore his future path.

Will Russell Wilson’s 2024 season be different from the past 2 seasons?

During his interview with Missi Mathews, Wilson made it clear that he was looking to add more Super Bowls. He said, “I see it as a long-term goal. I want to be a part of the Pittsburgh community for a really long time, and I’m really excited about that. And hopefully we can add some more championships here.” But the critics doubt his capability to become champion.

Many players and journalists are even questioning if he will be able to play the entire season with the Steelers. While discussing current QBs on The Pump Fake with Jarrett Bailey podcast on July 3, 2024, former NFL All-Pro Shawne Merriman said that the QB will start the season playing but will be benched by week 4. Will Wilson be able to shun the negative talk?

The QB needs to come up with something wonderful to win 2 more Lombardi trophies and stretch his struggling career for 5 more seasons which he has planned.