Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 free agency: Russell Wilson, Patrick Queen to sign deals with team
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- NFL free agency has started, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are set to make at least two splash signings.
The Steelers are expected to officially sign quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker Patrick Queen. It's unclear what other signings or deals the team may make.
The 2024 free agency signing period began at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
A new QB1 in the Steel City?
With Russell Wilson poised to become a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, many are wondering whether the 35-year-old veteran will be the frontrunner for the starting quarterback job or if there will be a training camp competition between him and Kenny Pickett.
Wilson reportedly became a free agent when he was released by the Broncos late on Wednesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. He is expected to sign with the Steelers for the veteran minimum of $1.2 million on a one-year contract.
He is expected to wear No. 3 here in Pittsburgh once his deal with the team is finalized.
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 AFC North
Patrick Queen is making a jump that you don't see too often, and that's one from purple and black to black and gold. The 24-year-old linebacker is expected to sign a three-year deal with the Steelers.
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.
Queen's deal with the Steelers is expected to be for $41 million over three years.
When the news of Queen's signing with the Steelers broke on Tuesday, it struck a nerve deep in the heart of Ravens defensive back Marlon Humphrey, who said that the signing "actually hurts."
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.
A replacement for Diontae Johnson?
When it comes to other free agent signings the Steelers could make, many questions are circling as to whether or not they will fill out their roster with a wide receiver.
The team has an opening on its roster for a wideout after dealing Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in a swap for cornerback Donte Jackson, as well as the two teams swapping late-round draft picks. The team made the trade official on Wednesday night.
"I always admired the Steeler," Jackson said in an interview with SNR Drive. "I always admired what this logo stood for and the greatness that comes with it. I am ready to tap into that greatness."
The Steelers already have released Allen Robinson and head into the start of the league year with the bulk of their receiving corps being built around George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, and Miles Boykin.
It's still to be determined whether they will add to that corps through the upcoming NFL Draft or if they will fill out the receiver room through free agency with a player like Tyler Boyd, who recently said he was open to signing with his hometown team.
Mason Rudolph moving on from Pittsburgh
While we already know that Russell Wilson will be signing with the Steelers and helping fill out the quarterback room in Pittsburgh, Mason Rudolph's future was up in the air.
Steelers nation now has an answer. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported on Wednesday that Rudolph is going to be a Tennessee Titan. He will reportedly compete for the backup job behind Will Levis, a second-round pick from the 2023 draft.
Rudolph started the final four games for the Steelers in 2023, including the team's playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills.
He was a catalyst for the team's late-season surge, leading Pittsburgh to a 3-1 record down the stretch, but he was a free agent with options.
Steelers reportedly re-sign Pro Bowler
Special teamer Miles Killebrew is reportedly returning to Pittsburgh.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday that Killebrew is returning to the Steelers on a two-year, $6.5 million deal.
Killebrew, a special teams captain for the Steelers, was voted to the Pro Bowl Games for the first time in his career last year.
Christian Kuntz inks 3-year deal
Long snapper Christian Kuntz has signed a three-year deal with the Steelers.
Kuntz, a Duquesne and Chartiers Valley High graduate, has been the long snapper for Pittsburgh for the last three years.
"I feel like it hasn't even hit me and my family and friends," Kuntz said, via the Steelers' website. "I'm playing for the Steelers. It still hasn't hit me. I don't think it ever will. It's a blessing. It's crazy."
Report: Steelers re-sign defensive lineman Adams
The Steelers have reportedly re-signed defensive lineman Montravius Adams.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Thursday that Adams is returning to the Steel City on a two-year deal. He played in 13 games last season, starting eight. He has been with the team since signing with them in November 2021.
