The Pittsburgh Steelers have a ton of pressure in 2024, as they haven’t emerged victorious in a playoff matchup since the 2016 season. For the Steelers to start winning in the postseason, they need experience and leadership at quarterback. They found that when Russell Wilson hit the open market this offseason after two ugly seasons with the Denver Broncos. Many in the NFL community aren’t sold on Wilson making a heroic comeback, but some, including the writers from CBS Sports, expect Wilson to bounce back in a big way.

Steelers’ Russell Wilson throws a pass during mandatory minicamp in 2024.

Wilson, coming off a 26 touchdown season with Denver, has drawn a lot of harsh critiques towards himself recently. In his first go with the Broncos, Wilson only brought them to victory five times in 2022. That came with Nathaniel Hackett as the head coach, which had issues of its own. Then, Denver brought in Sean Payton, hoping he and Wilson would have some sort of veteran connection. Together, Payton and Wilson strung together eight wins last season, falling short of the playoffs.

The organizational failure by Denver between the two brought a lot of negativity surrounding Wilson. The nine time Pro Bowler now comes to Pittsburgh looking to prove the league wrong, showing that he can still play at a high level. Pittsburgh is obviously a more stable organization than Denver at the moment, which could be a huge reason as to why Wilson will exceed expectations in 2024. CBS Sports’ NFL writer Bryan DeArdo reasoned why Wilson will have a good season with the Steelers.

“Throughout his career, Wilson has proven that he will thrive in a stable environment, which hasn’t been the case during his time in Denver,” DeArdo wrote. “In Pittsburgh, though, Wilson is back on a winning program that employs a run-first offense. The big question is whether or not the Steelers have given Wilson enough weapons at receiver.”

Much like his Seattle days, Wilson will be in a similar position in Pittsburgh. Between having a dominant defense and a run heavy offense, Wilson has all of the tools to elevate his game again. Having Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in his backfield will certainly help him find open receivers in Arthur Smith’s offense.

Steelers’ QB Russell Wilson handing it off to Najee Harris at the team’s minicamp.

Considering the Steelers haven’t had a losing season in over 20 years, it’s safe to say that Wilson is in a much better place to succeed than previously. Wilson has been a great leader up to this point, and many of the offensive play makers have had great things to say about him.

Does Steelers’ Russell Wilson Need More Help At Wide Receiver?

To wrap up his analysis on Wilson, DeArdo recognizes the Steelers’ weakness on offense, which is receiver. Pittsburgh trading Diontae Johnson put the team in an uncomfortable situation at wideout, leaving George Pickens as the only proven threat. The Steelers have been involved in trade rumors for some big name wideouts, but nothing points to any signs of a deal getting done. The front office did express interest in Brandon Aiyuk, but nothing says the San Francisco 49ers are willing to trade him, even after his request.

Steelers WR George Pickens takes a short pass for a long touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.

If Wilson disappoints at any point during the 2024 campaign, a lot of fingers might point to Pittsburgh not adding another wideout to help him out. They don’t seem to show any signs of concern, however, considering they seem comfortable with their plan to attack the rush. If Harris and Warren slow down as opposed to improving, then it could be another long season for the Steelers and their offense. This is more than likely going to be Wilson’s last stint as a starter for an organization, so there’s a lot on the line for him and his shot at the Hall of Fame.