Here we go, fantasy folks!
In the first major free-agent signing of the 2024 offseason, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Pittsburgh Steelers will add veteran quarterback Russell Wilson on a one-year deal. The move has major fantasy implications, and in my opinion, most have them are positive not only for Wilson but for his new offensive mates.
Wilson is coming off a 2023 campaign that saw him finish a respectable QB14 while averaging 17.1 fantasy points per game. He didn’t have a ton of “splash” games, scoring 20-plus points just three times, but we’re not expecting Wilson to be a QB1 in fantasy. Also, he’ll have much better weapons with his new franchise.
Year 13. Grateful. @Steelers pic.twitter.com/0U4Q2sRtXs
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 11, 2024
The Steelers feature a nice backfield duo with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, and a pass attack that includes Diontae Johnson, George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth. All of these players benefit from Wilson’s presence, especially Pickens.
Last season, Wilson ranked 13th among quarterbacks (minimum 200 attempts) in passing yards on throws of 20-plus yards. By comparison, Kenny Pickett was 29th. What’s more, Wilson more than doubled up Pickett in passing yards of 20-plus yards last season. That’s what Pickens needs to take the next step to fantasy stardom.
Related: 2024 NFL Free Agency Tracker: Grading Every Major Move
Wilson remains an accurate passer, ranking 24th at quarterback in turnover-worthy throws per Fantasy Points. His 66.4 completion percentage was also his best total since this final season with the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson can also still run with the football even at the age of 35, rushing for 341 yards and three touchdowns.
I also like the Wilson and Arthur Smith combination in the Steel City. Remember, the new Steelers offensive coordinator did wonders with another “castoff” signal-caller, as Ryan Tannehill became a fantasy star for a couple of seasons during their time together with the Tennessee Titans. That bodes well for Wilson.
Of course, this all assumes Wilson beats out incumbent starter Kenny Pickett for the starting job (I consider this a foregone conclusion). In that likely scenario, Wilson will be worth a late-round fantasy pick in re-drafts as a No. 2 fantasy quarterback. That scenario also leaves Pickett managers in dynasty leagues holding a declining stock.
In Denver, the Broncos now have a massive hole at quarterback. Unless the team is able to sign a Kirk Cousins or trade for a Justin Fields (remember, Baker Mayfield is staying with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), I’d expect them to either trade up to draft a quarterback of hope Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy is still on the board at No. 12.
