This is a GREAT signing for the Steelers IMHO. It's even better since its only a one year deal. The Steelers got a starting QB for $1.2MM when the going rate is over 25MM. They improved their QB position at zero risk, since if he really IS washed as some people think, then it cost them nothing.
Good chance it works out fine, zero risk.
As someone who often sees things from a coaching point of view, I'm surprised you're saying this costs the Steelers nothing and is zero risk.
It's costing them a year of time that they could be investing in a long term solution.
It's costing them a roster spot, coaching bandwidth, reps on the field.
It's costing them issues with massaging RW's ego and the ego of players whose jobs he's putting at risk.
That's why DEN moved on: keeping him was a waste of valuable resources.
It was worth it to DEN to take the cash/cap hits to try to get a viable long-term QB in place instead of continuing to go nowhere with Russ.
The surprise here is that its only a one year deal. I would have thought Wilson would have asked for more security and gotten at least a second year. I never thought he would come here given our roster situation.
If anyone wanted/needed a 2nd year it should be PIT, at least a team option.
Now if RW miraculously revives his career he's a FA and can go anywhere he wants which probably won't be PIT.
If he doesn't, he still is getting $38M this season split between DEN and PIT, he'll be fine.
IMO, RW is now late-period Cam Newton redux, an aging vet who once had moves but now has an injury history and a reluctance to run.
Even the contact, a vet minimum deal, is the same.
Cam didn't revive his career, and I bet RW won't either.