Per Schefter: Russell Wilson is a Steeler, signs one-year deal

[tbsteel]

Figured it deserved its own topic since it's official now.

https://twitter.com/adamschefter/status ... 4728034531

[tbsteel]

And also, in case anyone is keeping score at home, Kenny Pickett is now officially a bust. And the Steelers have thankfully recognized it. Thank God.

[Steel Ubaldo]

Tribusky last year and Wilson this year…he is cheap so there’s that. If Pickett was throwing tantrums before (allegedly), this won’t help.

[Orangesteel]

I mean, if you told me 12 months ago that the Steelers would potentially be signing Mason Rudolph or Russell Wilson to supplant Kenny “the Bust” Pickett I would have said you are nuts.

Here we are.

Ciara is fun to look at.

[LakecrestSteeler]

And also, in case anyone is keeping score at home, Kenny Pickett is now officially a bust. And the Steelers have thankfully recognized it. Thank God.

The whole NFL is a bust besides the Chiefs!

This whole thing is all Tom Brady part 2. Steelers aren’t winning anything unless there is some catastrophic injury to Mahomes. Even then if they were to win a ring, it will be a garbage ring in a down Chiefs year.

The mad scientists of the league should be trying to come up with a defensive formula that stops Mahomes consistently, using their Franchise QB money to do so. That formula or method probably has a higher probability versus landing a FQB from a 500 record draft position. Allen, Mahomes, Stroud….there won’t be another QB to beat Mahomes for another 4-5 years statistically, if then. And nobody drafted since Mahomes can beat him.

Try to land another TJ, get an all pro IMLB, and get another All-Pro corner and safety with the FQB money and see if you can get a winning formula with that. Everyone is on the FQB side of the ship. Go to the other side and try to mad scientist some rings with a mediocre QB and a defense for the ages that can actually stop Mahomes.

Everything else is just pissing in the wind.

[Dan Smith--BYU]

Well that means Mason is gone.

[Who Dee Knee]

I like the move. Wilson is signing a one year deal for the veteran minimum. We aren’t giving up any draft capital. Wilson also had more TD passes last year than the entire Steelers QBs in the last two years combined.

Wilson may not be the player he was before, but neither was Ben in ‘20 or ‘21, and he was light years better than anyone we have had since then.

Our team has had talent infused into it since Omar became GM. He doesn’t fuck around. We could actually be a force with another good draft and free agent class.

Let’s go into free agency getting a center, ILB (Patrick Queen?), and a SS.

[CKSteeler]

And also, in case anyone is keeping score at home, Kenny Pickett is now officially a bust. And the Steelers have thankfully recognized it. Thank God.

The whole NFL is a bust besides the Chiefs!

This whole thing is all Tom Brady part 2. Steelers aren’t winning anything unless there is some catastrophic injury to Mahomes. Even then if they were to win a ring, it will be a garbage ring in a down Chiefs year.

The mad scientists of the league should be trying to come up with a defensive formula that stops Mahomes consistently, using their Franchise QB money to do so. That formula or method probably has a higher probability versus landing a FQB from a 500 record draft position. Allen, Mahomes, Stroud….there won’t be another QB to beat Mahomes for another 4-5 years statistically, if then. And nobody drafted since Mahomes can beat him.

Try to land another TJ, get an all pro IMLB, and get another All-Pro corner and safety with the FQB money and see if you can get a winning formula with that. Everyone is on the FQB side of the ship. Go to the other side and try to mad scientist some rings with a mediocre QB and a defense for the ages that can actually stop Mahomes.

Everything else is just pissing in the wind.

You know what Tomlin isn't ever going to be mistaken as? A mad scientist of defense. You could give him the most stacked defensive unit in the league, and Reid would coach circles around him.

[langer]

Now we have two headcases at the QB position.

Who is gonna "mentor" who?

At least this is a change and gives Coach Mike something to brag about. Can't wait for that.

"We like what he brings to the table, and so forth."

[Ice]

We basically groundscored a reasonably competent NFL QB. Not sure how this can be seen as a bad thing, objectively.

[JackLambert58]

Tribusky last year and Wilson this year…he is cheap so there’s that. If Pickett was throwing tantrums before (allegedly), this won’t help.

I'm not an advocate of acquiring Russell Wilson but at his absolute worst, he is light years better than Mitch Trubisky.

[Steel Bingo]

Kenny Pickett has hardly been a bust. He's helped the Steelers win a lot of games since Big Ben retired.

After the Steelers bye week in his rookie season, KP finished the season 6-2. This past season he went 7-5 with inconsistent OL combinations / play and his top WR out for basically all of the first 5 games.

So far Pickett has fought much of his adversity to at least a draw, if not done an acceptable job of overcoming it.

[Obviously]

And also, in case anyone is keeping score at home, Kenny Pickett is now officially a bust. And the Steelers have thankfully recognized it. Thank God.

The whole NFL is a bust besides the Chiefs!

This whole thing is all Tom Brady part 2. Steelers aren’t winning anything unless there is some catastrophic injury to Mahomes. Even then if they were to win a ring, it will be a garbage ring in a down Chiefs year.

The mad scientists of the league should be trying to come up with a defensive formula that stops Mahomes consistently, using their Franchise QB money to do so. That formula or method probably has a higher probability versus landing a FQB from a 500 record draft position. Allen, Mahomes, Stroud….there won’t be another QB to beat Mahomes for another 4-5 years statistically, if then. And nobody drafted since Mahomes can beat him.

Try to land another TJ, get an all pro IMLB, and get another All-Pro corner and safety with the FQB money and see if you can get a winning formula with that. Everyone is on the FQB side of the ship. Go to the other side and try to mad scientist some rings with a mediocre QB and a defense for the ages that can actually stop Mahomes.

Everything else is just pissing in the wind.

Do you consider 2008 a garbage ring for the Steelers since Tom Brady went down early for the season? There's no such thing as a garbage ring.

[bradshaw2ben]

And also, in case anyone is keeping score at home, Kenny Pickett is now officially a bust. And the Steelers have thankfully recognized it. Thank God.

The whole NFL is a bust besides the Chiefs!

This whole thing is all Tom Brady part 2. Steelers aren’t winning anything unless there is some catastrophic injury to Mahomes. Even then if they were to win a ring, it will be a garbage ring in a down Chiefs year.

The mad scientists of the league should be trying to come up with a defensive formula that stops Mahomes consistently, using their Franchise QB money to do so. That formula or method probably has a higher probability versus landing a FQB from a 500 record draft position. Allen, Mahomes, Stroud….there won’t be another QB to beat Mahomes for another 4-5 years statistically, if then. And nobody drafted since Mahomes can beat him.

Try to land another TJ, get an all pro IMLB, and get another All-Pro corner and safety with the FQB money and see if you can get a winning formula with that. Everyone is on the FQB side of the ship. Go to the other side and try to mad scientist some rings with a mediocre QB and a defense for the ages that can actually stop Mahomes.

Everything else is just pissing in the wind.

The Steelers picked 11th in 2004, not 1st overall.

Seattle picked 25th the year they got Russell Wilson

The Bills were 9-6 and made the playoffs the year before drafting Josh Allen.

The Packers were 10-6 and made the playoffs the year before they drafted Aaron Rodgers.

The Chiefs were 12-4 and hosted a playoff game the year before they drafted Mahomes.

The idea that you can only get a great player when you are drafting top 5 isn't correct. It might improve your chances somewhat to have the first overall pick, but considering there have really only been 3 legit superstar QBs drafted first overall in the past 25 years, I'm not sure that helps much, either.

And there is basically no defense that will nullify Mahomes. Sure, have a defense that contributes, scores some points/gets turnovers, etc… but you have to at least keep up with the scoring to even keep it close.

The Steelers are going to try and win games 16-13 this year. I think that formula works pretty well in the regular season but suspect it will fall to pieces in the postseason, like it has for years.

[bradshaw2ben]

Well that means Mason is gone.

Say it isn't so!

[Obviously]

We basically groundscored a reasonably competent NFL QB. Not sure how this can be seen as a bad thing, objectively.

Well you know this board. Some here can make paradise sound like skid row.

[Ice]

And also, in case anyone is keeping score at home, Kenny Pickett is now officially a bust. And the Steelers have thankfully recognized it. Thank God.

The whole NFL is a bust besides the Chiefs!

This whole thing is all Tom Brady part 2. Steelers aren’t winning anything unless there is some catastrophic injury to Mahomes. Even then if they were to win a ring, it will be a garbage ring in a down Chiefs year.

The mad scientists of the league should be trying to come up with a defensive formula that stops Mahomes consistently, using their Franchise QB money to do so. That formula or method probably has a higher probability versus landing a FQB from a 500 record draft position. Allen, Mahomes, Stroud….there won’t be another QB to beat Mahomes for another 4-5 years statistically, if then. And nobody drafted since Mahomes can beat him.

Try to land another TJ, get an all pro IMLB, and get another All-Pro corner and safety with the FQB money and see if you can get a winning formula with that. Everyone is on the FQB side of the ship. Go to the other side and try to mad scientist some rings with a mediocre QB and a defense for the ages that can actually stop Mahomes.

Everything else is just pissing in the wind.

Russell Wilson's Broncos team beat the Chefs last season.

[LakecrestSteeler]

And also, in case anyone is keeping score at home, Kenny Pickett is now officially a bust. And the Steelers have thankfully recognized it. Thank God.

You could read it that way or you can read it that RW is the goat to be put in the stable with the thoroughbred to keep it calm.

I am sure it will be spun that way.

Somewhere in the middle is the truth. Veteran leadership and tutelage, competition, and a bridge to another draft if necessary. .

I could see it turn out like the Jets with Rodgers; complete with the torn Achilles and all.

[bradshaw2ben]

I like the move. Wilson is signing a one year deal for the veteran minimum. We aren’t giving up any draft capital. Wilson also had more TD passes last year than the entire Steelers QBs in the last two years combined.

Wilson may not be the player he was before, but neither was Ben in ‘20 or ‘21, and he was light years better than anyone we have had since then.

Our team has had talent infused into it since Omar became GM. He doesn’t fuck around. We could actually be a force with another good draft and free agent class.

Let’s go into free agency getting a center, ILB (Patrick Queen?), and a SS.

You don't think Elandon Roberts played well? That's the type of LB Queen is. The issue the Steelers have is the two best cover LBs they've had in recent years both had catastrophic leg injuries last year. One may retire and the other is no sure thing to be ready for the season. I'd rather sign Jerome Baker a million times over than waste money on Patrick Queen. LB and Center are not spots where I would spend big $ if I could avoid it. SO many safeties who would be great and a glut in supply should be a decent price for an upgrade over 2023.

To me, signing even a solid but unspectacular starting outside CB (think Steven Nelson) or an upgrade at IDL would move the needle more than signings at LB & C.

[bradshaw2ben]

Tribusky last year and Wilson this year…he is cheap so there’s that. If Pickett was throwing tantrums before (allegedly), this won’t help.

I'm not an advocate of acquiring Russell Wilson but at his absolute worst, he is light years better than Mitch Trubisky.

this is a move that allows for both NHALS AND the he chance to draft QB in 2025, regardless of whether Russ plays well or not. It's damn near perfect compared to resurrecting Kenny or betting on Mason Rudolph or trading away picks/signing a big money deal for trash like Fields.

[bradshaw2ben]

Kenny Pickett has hardly been a bust. He's helped the Steelers win a lot of games since Big Ben retired.

After the Steelers bye week in his rookie season, KP finished the season 6-2. This past season he went 7-5 with inconsistent OL combinations / play and his top WR out for basically all of the first 5 games.

So far Pickett has fought much of his adversity to at least a draw, if not done an acceptable job of overcoming it.

I agree with you–Kenny is a winner and they could have stuck with him longer. He probably needs a fresh start elsewhere.

Also, Kenny Pickett is available for trade in the SteelerFury board draft (which starts Sunday, BTW). Seems like he could help Carolina to a few more wins.

[LakecrestSteeler]

And also, in case anyone is keeping score at home, Kenny Pickett is now officially a bust. And the Steelers have thankfully recognized it. Thank God.

The whole NFL is a bust besides the Chiefs!

This whole thing is all Tom Brady part 2. Steelers aren’t winning anything unless there is some catastrophic injury to Mahomes. Even then if they were to win a ring, it will be a garbage ring in a down Chiefs year.

The mad scientists of the league should be trying to come up with a defensive formula that stops Mahomes consistently, using their Franchise QB money to do so. That formula or method probably has a higher probability versus landing a FQB from a 500 record draft position. Allen, Mahomes, Stroud….there won’t be another QB to beat Mahomes for another 4-5 years statistically, if then. And nobody drafted since Mahomes can beat him.

Try to land another TJ, get an all pro IMLB, and get another All-Pro corner and safety with the FQB money and see if you can get a winning formula with that. Everyone is on the FQB side of the ship. Go to the other side and try to mad scientist some rings with a mediocre QB and a defense for the ages that can actually stop Mahomes.

Everything else is just pissing in the wind.

The Steelers picked 11th in 2004, not 1st overall.

Seattle picked 25th the year they got Russell Wilson

The Bills were 9-6 and made the playoffs the year before drafting Josh Allen.

The Packers were 10-6 and made the playoffs the year before they drafted Aaron Rodgers.

The Chiefs were 12-4 and hosted a playoff game the year before they drafted Mahomes.

The idea that you can only get a great player when you are drafting top 5 isn't correct. It might improve your chances somewhat to have the first overall pick, but considering there have really only been 3 legit superstar QBs drafted first overall in the past 25 years, I'm not sure that helps much, either.

And there is basically no defense that will nullify Mahomes. Sure, have a defense that contributes, scores some points/gets turnovers, etc… but you have to at least keep up with the scoring to even keep it close.

The Steelers are going to try and win games 16-13 this year. I think that formula works pretty well in the regular season but suspect it will fall to pieces in the postseason, like it has for years.

Agree. That was my point with “ there won’t be another QB to beat Mahomes for another 4-5 years statistically”.

Draft order be damned, there are only so many great QBs per decade. 2017 was Mahomes, and we are looking at realistically 2027 for the odds to be in our favor and the Steelers to luck into an FQB. In the meantime, perhaps resources are better spent trying to come up with the defense.

All we will be left to do is hope we can get a garbage ring in a Mahomes down year, or someone cracks the code in the league for a new defensive philosophy that stifles NFL FQBs consistently until a rule change by the NFL to put the advantage back on the offense.

I will continue to watch waiting for the lightning to strike and will still try to kick the football held by Lucy at various points during the season when heart and hope gets the better of brain and reality.

[Steelperch]

You all should but happy with this move.

The Steelers got a far more talented player at QB for effectively zero cap hit.
Matt Canada is gone, Kenny Pickett is relegated to clipboard holder. Those were the two biggest reasons the offense was unwatchable.
This move all but assures we’re drafting a new QB in the next two years.
There is a bunch of cap space left, this team should fill 3 holes in free agency before the draft.
And above all else, it makes the team much more interesting and relevant! I can live with not being good, but this team hasn’t been good, fun to watch, or even interesting the past few years. It’s been the worst football to watch in the league.

[bradshaw2ben]

You all should but happy with this move.

The Steelers got a far more talented player at QB for effectively zero cap hit.
Matt Canada is gone, Kenny Pickett is relegated to clipboard holder. Those were the two biggest reasons the offense was unwatchable.
This move all but assures we’re drafting a new QB in the next two years.
And above all else, it makes the team much more interesting and relevant! I can live with not being good, but this team hasn’t been good, fun to watch, or even interesting the past few years. It’s been the worst football to watch in the league.

Amen to all of that

Now the next biggest reason they've been unwatchable is still on the sidelines-- but I don't foresee that changing anytime soon, unless ownership reins change hands or they get the balls to challenge him, a la the Steelers ownership to Chaz Noll in 1992.

[Steelperch]

I’m sure Clipboard Kenny will throw a fit, but he’ll miss.

[tbsteel]

Kenny Pickett has hardly been a bust. He's helped the Steelers win a lot of games since Big Ben retired.

After the Steelers bye week in his rookie season, KP finished the season 6-2. This past season he went 7-5 with inconsistent OL combinations / play and his top WR out for basically all of the first 5 games.

So far Pickett has fought much of his adversity to at least a draw, if not done an acceptable job of overcoming it.

I agree with you–Kenny is a winner and they could have stuck with him longer. He probably needs a fresh start elsewhere.

Also, Kenny Pickett is available for trade in the SteelerFury board draft (which starts Sunday, BTW). Seems like he could help Carolina to a few more wins.

You dog.

[tbsteel]

Kenny Pickett has hardly been a bust. He's helped the Steelers win a lot of games since Big Ben retired.

Sorry Bingo, you've got to rip that bandaid off and accept the truth.

When your first round QB gets benched for Mason Rudolph, and then after his second season his replacement is signed for the least amount of money the NFL will allow them to pay said replacement, then sorry, you're a bust. A flop. A failure. A wet turd in a bowl of full of piss.

And QBs that throw one TD pass a month and barely average scoring 16 points a game don't get credit for the W-L stat. You only get credit for that stat if you score 20 or more a game. Sorry, those are the rules. Otherwise, you have the same importance when it comes to winning or losing as the punter or long snapper.

If I'm Kenny, I'm taking those little baby hands of mine and spending this offseason working on being a quality holder on field goal kicks. Maybe even get some long snapping reps. You know, try to be useful somehow.

[Ice]

Kenny Pickett has hardly been a bust. He's helped the Steelers win a lot of games since Big Ben retired.

After the Steelers bye week in his rookie season, KP finished the season 6-2. This past season he went 7-5 with inconsistent OL combinations / play and his top WR out for basically all of the first 5 games.

So far Pickett has fought much of his adversity to at least a draw, if not done an acceptable job of overcoming it.

I agree with you–Kenny is a winner and they could have stuck with him longer. He probably needs a fresh start elsewhere.

Also, Kenny Pickett is available for trade in the SteelerFury board draft (which starts Sunday, BTW). Seems like he could help Carolina to a few more wins.

After needling my Panthers fan buddy all last season for their picking The Great Gazoo over Stroud, I think forwarding him that last line might send him off the ledge.

Agree on Baker, too, for personal and on-field reasons.

[Mick]

I would have been happy to grab vet minimum russell wilson if we had ben in his prime. A good deal is a good dea.

[Charles Demarr]

Admitting baby hands is not the future is a huge win.