Russell Wilson and Patrick Queen introduced for first time as Pittsburgh Steelers players
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Russell Wilson and Patrick Queen were introduced as the newest members of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday after signing with the team as free agents.
Wilson joins the Steelers after an up-and-down two years with the Denver Broncos while Queen comes to Pittsburgh after playing his first four NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
Following the introductory press conference, the Steelers made a major shakeup at quarterback, reportedly trading Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles. In return, the Steelers get pick No. 98 and two 2025 seventh round picks in the NFL Draft.
A new quarterback in the fold
Wilson was officially released by the Broncos earlier this week and is joining the Steelers on a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum of $1.2 million.
At a press conference, he said he's grateful to be in Pittsburgh.
"Obviously to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, it's a great tradition to be able to compete and be able to go to work with these guys every single day. It is the gift of this game, enjoying the process of it all," he said.
Pen to paper ✍️ pic.twitter.com/USChH622Hf
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 15, 2024
Wilson said he came to Pittsburgh because he wants to win championships.
"Coach Tomlin and these guys in the locker room, we got some amazing players," he said, mentioning Walter Payton Man of the Year Cam Heyward, "Mr. T.J. Watt himself," Minkah Fitzpatrick and George Pickens.
During the press conference, Wilson sidestepped questions about whether he expects to be the starting quarterback next season. But the reported Pickett trade puts those questions to rest.
"It's a great place to be, grateful for the opportunity to be able to get after it and do what we came here to do, which is to win football games," Wilson said.
The Denver Broncos will be paying the remainder of Wilson's $39 million salary from his massive $245 million contract he signed less than two years ago after being traded from Seattle to the Mile High City.
During his two years in Denver, Wilson logged an 11-9 record as a starter.
Changing sides in the Battle of the AFC North
Patrick Queen comes to Pittsburgh and will be swapping the black and purple for black and gold.
Done deal ✍️ @Patrickqueen_ pic.twitter.com/0J4gHJUbHA
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 15, 2024
Details came out earlier this week that the 24-year-old inside linebacker was signing a three-year, $41 million deal with the team after the Ravens declined to pick up his fifth-year option.
Selected 28th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Queen has been a tackling machine in his four years with the Ravens, averaging a combined 113 tackles per season.
On Wednesday, Queen said goodbye to Ravens fans and the city in a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
"While my journey has led me elsewhere, thank you for supporting me over the last 4 years," he said, in part.
Queen, an inside linebacker, will be joining an already impressive defense that includes outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, among others.
Other free agency signings
Aside from the Wilson and Queen signings, the Steelers brought back a few of their own players who tested free agency waters.
Special teamer Miles Killebrew is said to be coming back on a two-year deal, Long snapper Christian Kuntz signed a three-year deal to return to the team, and defensive lineman Montravius Adams is said to be coming back on a two-year deal.
The Steelers are also signing wide receiver Van Jefferson to a one-year deal, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Gerry Dulac reported, citing sources. Jefferson was a former No. 2 draft pick of the Rams in 2020. Dulac said the move is for depth purposes.
They also introduced safety DeShon Elliott at the press conference as well.