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Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers' Russell Wilson's Early Growth With Teammates Will Help Steelers In December

Originally posted on Steeler Nation | By Riley Garrett | Last updated 4/21/24

The Pittsburgh Steelers went out of their comfort zone in the 2024 offseason by making a handful of flashy roster shakeups. One of the more surprising moves was the total revamp of their quarterback room and the addition of Russell Wilson. Wilson, 35, is coming off a two-year tenure with the Denver Broncos that ended in ugly fashion. This is likely Wilson's final shot at having a starting quarterback spot in the NFL, so he needs to do everything in his power to perform well for the Steelers.

As Wilson's time was running short in Denver, there was some speculation looming that the quarterback was a difficult teammate in the locker room. This brought some concerns to Steelers' fans when Pittsburgh signed him on a one-year deal. However, it seems Wilson has quickly turned into a leader on this Steelers' team. Wilson has already done a lot of work with his new teammates ahead of training camp, and looks like a true leader for the black and gold.

Steelers' insider Mark Kaboly recently explained that Wilson's actions with his teammates of late will help him in the long run. The chemistry and cohesiveness between Wilson and the others will give them a boost as they progress deeper into the season and as they approach playoff football.

Everything Russell Wilson has done so far in his short time with the Steelers, he has been with teammates. That might not mean much now but it might mean the world in October, November and December.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) April 20, 2024

The Steelers need to have someone at quarterback that the players and coaches can trust and count on. As of the past two seasons, Pittsburgh hasn't had that. From Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett to Mason Rudolph, none of them had the full trust of the entire organization. As the Steelers look to fix their current playoff win situation, having an unproven player as your starting quarterback in late December is less than ideal.

Wilson already seemed to hit it off with coaches like Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith, which is a great, encouraging sign. The Super Bowl XLVIII champion also got a workout in with pass-catchers Pat Freiermuth, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson. It may be easier to earn the trust and respect from his offensive teammates early on, but Wilson will have to perform well on the field in order to earn the trust of the defense, which is something Pickett has not had the last two seasons.

Love the Work. The Best Is Ahead. pic.twitter.com/4dl997br5g
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 20, 2024

Will Wilson Lead Steelers To Desired Playoff Win(s)?

As we all know, the Steelers have not garnished a postseason victory since 2016. To put it into perspective, during this time, the Steelers still had the big three - Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell. It's been far too long since the Steelers have been relevant in January football, and it's up to guys like Wilson to make that change. As Kaboly mentioned, the relationships the starting quarterback is building now should help them later in the year.

Perhaps in 2024 the Steelers will have a new big three of their own with Wilson and guys like Najee Harris and George Pickens. Harris is the only Pittsburgh Steeler in history to start off their career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons, and Pickens is also a name who has elite talent and through-the-roof potential. The Steelers have the pieces to start winning in the postseason, and it will be in the hands of guys like Wilson and Tomlin to make that happen.