Pat Freiermuth, a tight end with the Pittsburgh Steelers, gave his initial thoughts on new colleague Russell Wilson, complimenting the quarterback’s tenacity and resolve. Freiermuth disclosed on the Around the 412 podcast that he had just trained with Wilson in California, going on runs and working out together.
“I was just down there in San Diego with him working out and throwing routes,” Freiermuth stated. He’s done a terrific job striking up conversations and establishing a rapport with guys. He’s a really kind man. You can see how motivated and determined he is to succeed and win so that he can travel to Pittsburgh and help us win some playoff games.”
Wilson was abruptly released by the Denver Broncos on March 13, and he signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers that is allegedly paid the veteran’s minimum of $1.21 million.
In order to “preserve financial flexibility,” the Broncos benched Wilson for the final two games of the season, a move that ultimately resulted in Wilson’s release.
Denver allegedly threatened to bench Wilson earlier in the season if he didn’t agree to postpone his $37 million injury guarantee. The Broncos suffered a huge dead cap penalty of $85 million after his release.
Pittsburgh was able to get such a deal because Wilson and the team agreed to a five-year, $245 million contract extension in September 2022.
During his first press conference as a Steeler, Wilson disclosed that before to choosing Pittsburgh, he had a lengthy conversation with defensive end Cameron Heyward. Heyward, a vital team member and 13-year NFL veteran, expressed his excitement about Wilson joining the team and emphasized the importance of his leadership and expertise to the Steelers.
Heyward said, “You just look for the leadership he’s had.” “A man who has won games, been in Seattle, and already won the Super Bowl. Had a rough time in Denver, but he seems like a hungry man who is eager to disprove a lot of people. I believe we have an abundance of excellent weapons on the other side of the ball. Since some of them are younger, the group will benefit from having an experienced, more established guy.”
Wilson will start for the Steelers in the upcoming season after head coach Mike Tomlin gave his quarterback his blessing. This comes after the Steelers acquired Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick, which may increase to a fourth-round pick depending on Fields’ playing time.
Wilson completed 15 games with a passer rating of 98 in 2023 while throwing for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns,
and 8 interceptions. Among his many remarkable professional achievements are his Super Bowl victory (XLVIII), his Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2020, his selection to the Second Team All-Pro in 2019, and his nine Pro Bowl selections between 2012 and 2021.