If Baltimore Ravens fans needed another reminder of how far the Pittsburgh Steelers have fallen, look no further than this: Russell Wilson just signed with the New York Giants… and not because they were his only option.
Nope. The Giants, Browns, and Steelers were all in on Wilson, but he picked New York. Why? Because apparently, waiting around for Aaron Rodgers to decide if he even wants to play football isn’t exactly an attractive selling point for someone who actually wants to compete. Imagine that.
While the Steelers continue to sit by the phone, hoping Rodgers blesses them with his presence, Wilson inked a one-year deal worth up to $21 million to become the Giants’ projected starter. The Giants, who already have Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito under contract—at least gave him a clearer path and a sense of stability.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh still has no clue what’s going on.
Pittsburgh’s QB purgatory just got even more embarrassing
The Steelers had a shot at keeping Wilson. He went 6-5 as their starter last year, was a locker room leader, and actually wanted to keep playing. But instead of re-signing him or having a clear plan, they decided to throw themselves into Rodgers or bust mode, banking on a 41-year-old future Hall of Famer who clearly has no immediate desire to join them.
Per The Athletic, Rodgers actually prefers Minnesota. If that doesn’t happen (which it probably won't)? Retirement is on the table. And the Steelers, despite all of this, are still just sitting and waiting.
They’ve reportedly given Rodgers a “soft deadline” of April 21, which is adorable, considering Rodgers doesn’t do ultimatums. The guy’s been a ghost all offseason. Even Cam Heyward, one of the most respected voices in Pittsburgh’s locker room, is already tired of the circus. “I ain’t doing that darkness retreat,” he said. “I don’t need any of that crap.”
With Wilson gone and Rodgers dragging things out, Pittsburgh’s options are shrinking quickly. Mason Rudolph is still hanging around, but he’s not an actual solution... is he? Drafting a quarterback like Jaxson Dart at No. 21? Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't. But who's mentoring him? Remember when Najee Harris blew up Mike Tomlin's spot by saying their offense was trash because they didn't have enough offensive mentors? Sounds like round two.
This is an objectively hilarious situation. We're all about it. Keep it coming.
Wilson may not be elite anymore, but he was at least willing to play. The Steelers, once again, fumbled the moment, and now, they’re left hoping for a Rodgers miracle. Good luck with that.