QB Wilson plans to sign with Steelers
Russell Wilson has found a new home. The quarterback is planning on signing with the Steelers, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported late Sunday night.
A source, speaking with the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract hasn’t been finalized, said Wilson will receive the veteran’s minimum of $1.21 million while the Broncos pay the remainder of his $39 million salary. The Broncos had announced last week they planned to cut Wilson after the start of the new league year.
Wilson had met with the Steelers on Friday, a day after a stop in New Jersey to meet with the Giants, as the quarterback started to map out his future after it became clear he would be unceremoniously cut by Denver following two years in the Mile High City. Wilson’s decision to sign with the Steelers gives Pittsburgh a veteran option to compete with Kenny Pickett next season. It’s an opportunity for the signal-caller to have a fresh start and prove that he can still be an effective option.
Wilson, 35, had gone through two rough seasons in Denver after the Broncos paid a hefty price to bring in the once-star quarterback. Wilson went 4-11 in 2023 and 7-8 last season before being benched for the final two games of the season.
The quarterback never seemed to mesh with new head coach Sean Payton, who was hired prior to the 2023 campaign. Wilson repeatedly said after the season that the Broncos attempted to force him to waive the injury guarantee on his salary.
The decision to cut Wilson ended up costing the Broncos $85 million in dead cap money.
PATRIOTS: New England and new coach Jerod Mayo agreed to trade quarterback Mac Jones to the Jaguars for a sixth-round pick in next month’s NFL draft, according to an Associated Press source.
The move brings Jones home — he was born and raised in Jacksonville — and provides competition behind starter Trevor Lawrence.
Jones will vie with 30-year-old C.J. Beathard for the team’s backup spot. Jones will count $4.96 million against the team’s salary cap in the final year of his rookie contract. Beathard is scheduled to count $2.4 million in the final year of his deal.
BUCCANEERS: Baker Mayfield is staying with Tampa Bay after agreeing to a three-year contract worth up to $115 million — including $50 million guaranteed — a person familiar with the deal told the Associated Press.
EAGLES: Six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox announced his retirement.
BEARS: Kevin Byard joined Chicago’s secondary, with the veteran safety agreeing to a two-year contract. The 30-year-old Byard — a first team All-Pro for the Titans in 2017 and 2021 — played for Tennessee and Philadelphia last season, finishing with 122 tackles and one interception in 16 starts.