When the Denver Broncos traded a treasure chest of draft picks to the Seattle Seahawks in the summer of 2022, they did so, in theory, to improve their Super Bowl odds. Observers still considered Russell Wilson to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL despite a down year by his lofty standards with the Seahawks in 2021. The Broncos, meanwhile, had won seven games that season and saw him as a key piece of their puzzle.
Over the next two seasons, Wilson and the Broncos won 13 games while the former Super Bowl champion continued a gradual decline. His tenure in Denver then ended with a benching with two games left in the 2023 season. After the Broncos released him ahead of free agency, Wilson signed a 1-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers that will see him earn close to the $1.21 million veteran minimum contract.
While the Steelers will pay practically nothing for Wilson’s service, the Broncos will still be on the hook for $38 million in 2024 — their penance for signing Wilson to a five-year $242 million extension in 2022 upon his arrival. It’s a chance to move on for the Broncos, despite Wilson’s better numbers in 2023, while the Steelers will look to resurrect the former third-round NFL draft pick’s career.
Before his release, the Steelers were the favorites at -225 to land Wilson in a trade thanks to a quarterback corps that lacked the confidence of the coaching staff. Kenny Pickett, the Steelers’ 2022 first-round pick, struggled with injuries and was benched toward the end of last season, with Mason Rudolph stepping in to lead the team. Despite the inconsistent quarterback play, the Steelers still finished with a record of 10-7 and made it to the wild card round of the playoffs, losing 31-17 to the Buffalo Bills.
Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl odds
With a roster that was able to compete last season, the front office is turning to the guidance of a veteran quarterback under center, with hopes of Super Bowl contention once again.
However, the Steelers’ Super Bowl odds have yet to shift since Wilson joined the team. Their odds to win Super Bowl 59 prior to the acquisition were +7500, putting them toward the lower half of the league. Now, following the Wilson signing, Pittsburgh’s odds remain at +7500.
Wilson completed 66.4% of his pass attempts for 3,070 yards in 2023 — the lowest total of his career — while compiling 26 touchdown passes against eight interceptions.
