Russell Wilson, a seasoned quarterback with 12 years of NFL experience, recently inked a new deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion previously played for the Denver Broncos in the 2023 season, adding to his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks.
Despite a challenging start with the Denver Broncos, Wilson displayed improvement in the second year of his substantial contract. Starting in 15 games, he achieved a completion rate of 66.4%, throwing for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. While his performance didn’t reach the heights of his Seahawks days, the former third-round pick maintained a league-average starter status last season. Regrettably, Denver’s decision to part ways with Wilson came with a significant financial cost, with the team absorbing a record-setting $85 million in dead cap.
Wilson’s NFL journey began when he was drafted in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Initially intended to serve as a backup to free agent signee Matt Flynn, Wilson’s exceptional skills propelled him to win the starting job by Week 1 of his rookie season. His impactful debut season led the Seahawks to the NFC Divisional Round, showcasing his potential as a rising star in the league.
Building on his promising start, Wilson emerged as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks in 2013. Supported by a formidable roster, he recorded impressive stats, including a 63.1% completion rate, 3,357 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Wilson’s stellar performance played a pivotal role in Seattle’s Super Bowl victory over the Denver Broncos, solidifying his reputation as a key contributor to the team’s success.
Throughout the decade, Wilson continued to excel with the Seahawks, consistently ranking among the top quarterbacks in the league. Since his rookie contract, he has amassed impressive numbers, completing 64.7% of his passes for 43,653 yards, 334 touchdowns, and 106 interceptions, cementing his status as a prominent figure in NFL history.
