Pittsburgh Steelers

Before free agency starts next week, the Denver Broncos have given soon-to-be-released quarterback Russell Wilson permission to immediately begin talking and meeting with other teams in their home cities, according to sources. Wilson, who had a bounce-back year in 2023 under head coach Sean Payton, will get a jumpstart on free agency, although it's unclear how much interest other teams will have before Kirk Cousins and Justin Fields find their new teams. The 35-year-old's short tenure in Denver has to be considered a disappointment, considering how much the Broncos gave up to acquire him from Seattle. Still, he showed improvement in 2023 and has the ability to run an offense proficiently if he's surrounded with the right weapons. It's unlikely that Wilson will be a recommended QB1 target in fantasy in 2024, but he could be a high-end backup, depending on where he ends up.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are not interested in signing quarterback Russell Wilson when he's released by the Denver Broncos next week, according to a source familiar with the Steelers' coaching staff's feelings on Wilson. In addition, the Steelers are not among the teams actively working to trade for Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields, according to league sources. Pittsburgh also isn't pursuing Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield in free agency. The fact that they aren't courting a veteran starter to supplant Kenny Pickett lends more credence to general manager Omar Khan's statement that he has "full faith" in Pickett despite his mediocre first two seasons in the league. The Steelers may add another signal-caller in the draft, but it appears that they are hopeful that new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith can unlock something in Pickett in 2024.

The Denver Broncos have informed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson of his release ahead of free agency. He will be officially let go on March 13 when the new league year begins. After being traded from the Seattle Seahawks to Denver in exchange for quarterback Drew Lock, defensive tackle Shelby Harris, tight end Noah Fant, and four draft picks, Wilson signed a five-year $242.5 million deal with the Broncos. Just under two years later, the organization is heading in a different direction at quarterback. Wilson threw for 6,594 yards, 42 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions and posted an 11-19 record as the Broncos' QB. He will now be available for a team seeking a veteran starter. The move leaves the franchise with an NFL record $85 million in dead money.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the likely teams left in the sweepstakes for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields are the Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders. Unless the Bears wait for Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent Kirk Cousins to sign, they might just take the Steelers' best offer in a trade. However, the Raiders, in their attempt to upgrade the QB position over Aidan O'Connell through free agency, the draft or a trade, can't be ruled out. The Raiders still have All-Pro wideout Davante Adams, but RB Josh Jacobs is a free agent and may not return, which could give Fields limited options if he joins the Raiders. It will most likely take a second- or third-rounder to land Fields, who still has plenty of QB1 upside in fantasy because of his elite rushing ability. However, to take the next step, the 24-year-old needs to improve his field vision and passing accuracy. At this point, it would be a surprise if Fields isn't playing somewhere other than Chicago in 2024.

According to NFL executives, if the Chicago Bears indeed decide to trade quarterback Justin Fields this offseason, the majority opinion is that Chicago would receive a second- or third-round pick in the upcoming draft. It's looking more likely that Fields will be dealt and the Bears will take USC QB Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. "There's a reason they're moving on," an executive pointed out. Fields has amazing rushing ability and physical traits, but he still needs to improve his field vision to anticipate throws, and the former first-rounder's inconsistent accuracy remains a concern. He finished with a career-high 61.4 completion percentage in 2023 and has 6,674 passing yards, 40 TDs and 30 picks in his career. Despite his deficiencies, the soon-to-be 25-year-old is still young and will have QB1 upside in 2024, and perhaps even more upside with a new team.