The “New York Jets are just a quarterback away” was the most used phrase this past season, before and after Aaron Rodgers. This notion still lives on, but it’s for Russell Wilson this time.

The Denver Broncos released Wilson, leading to his free agency for the first time in his NFL career. With his exit, he has become one of the top available quarterbacks for this upcoming season. A few teams, such as the Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, have reportedly shown interest in picking the quarterback. But are they a good option? Former linebacker Emmanuel Acho revealed why the Steelers have a long way to go to fulfill their Super Bowl dreams.

Can Russell Wilson solve the existing problem of the Steelers?

In a recent episode of SPEAK, Emmanuel Acho joined the crew to talk about the available spots for Russell Wilson for the next NFL season. Revealing why the Steelers can’t be a good fit, the 33-year-old said, “I believe the biggest lie that has been perpetuated this week on this show is that the Steelers are a quarterback away” from being a strong contender for the Super Bowl. He explained that multiple areas need improvement for the team to reach championship levels. Acho emphasized the need for another cornerback: linebacker, defensive tackle, consistency in the running back position, and maturation in the wide receiver position.

Acho added, “I do not believe they’re just a quarterback away. I think that is a lie that is being perpetuated, and we say that all the time so frequently about teams the Cleveland Browns they thought to themselves were just a quarterback away it’s what they thought the Denver Broncos thought to them: oh we’re just a quarterback away the New York Jets gave everything for Aaron Rogers we’re just a quarterback away, that is a lie.”

He continued, “I do not believe the Steelers are quarterback away… I think they’re a good team, but I think the chasm between the Steelers and a Super Bowl is more than just Russell Wilson… the chasm between the Steelers and an AFC Championship game is more than just Russell Wilson.“

Read more: “Belle of the Ball” Russell Wilson’s ‘Revenge’ Endorsed by Pat McAfee as Rumoured $1M Deal Set to Turn NFL Franchises’ Heads

Considering the Patriots scene, too, former running back and another host of SPEAK, LeSean McCoy, said that the Patriots are a new team now, and they have multiple holes to fill. Therefore, Russell, being an experienced player, “Why do you want to use him to rebuild the team?“

Meanwhile, per reports, the top landing spot for Wilson is said to be the Steelers (with +100 odds). However, according to a report by The Athletic journalist, the franchise is not interested in signing the top available quarterbacks, including Wilson.

Who are the Steelers targeting for the QB role?

The Steelers, despite facing challenges at the quarterback position after Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, are reportedly not planning to acquire a high-profile quarterback through free agency or trade this offseason. Reports from Mike DeFabo of The Athletic suggest that the team is not interested in signing Russell Wilson upon his release from the Broncos, and they are also not pursuing free agents Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield.

Additionally, there are reports that there are no active trade talks for Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields. Currently, the Steelers have 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett as the only quarterback under contract for the 2024 season. Pickett, chosen with hopes of being the franchise quarterback, has faced mixed success in his early NFL career, with a 14-10 record but less impressive stats.

While other experienced quarterbacks might be better options, the Steelers seem inclined to give Pickett another chance to establish himself as the long-term starter without immediate competition.