Russell Wilson to Steelers: What they're saying in Denver

The Russell Wilson era in Pittsburgh is officially expected to begin this week with an anticipated signing between the quarterback and the Steelers.

Wilson has indicated that he plans to sign with the Steelers once the NFL calendar year begins on Wednesday.

But what about the city he left behind?

In Denver, Wilson’s last home, everyone seems to be ready to move on.

“The Broncos refuse to use the “R” word,” said Troy Renck, Denver Post columnist in a roundtable with other sports writers. “It’s semantics. They are rebuilding. This reframes expectations and provides Siri Maps directions for each decision moving forward. They should draft a quarterback like J.J. McCarthy if he is available at 11 or 12. They cannot afford to keep sacrificing draft picks, but moving up one spot would be reasonable.”

Post Broncos beat writer Ryan McFadden said the Broncos virtually need to do what the Steelers are doing and sign another veteran quarterback.

“Whether the Broncos take a quarterback in the first round or not, they should sign a veteran quarterback,” he said. “While I like the idea of trying to get (quarterback) Baker Mayfield, it’s hard for me to see him leaving Tampa Bay, especially after the Buccaneers re-signed (wide receiver) Mike Evans.”

Denver Gazette columnist Woody Paige reflected on the Denver debacle.

“Goodbye, Russ. Good luck. Good riddance,” he wrote. “Wilson is gone, but the residue of a guaranteed $39 million contract in 2024, an $85 million salary-cap hit over two seasons and the $124 million the Broncos already paid the face of the franchise will remain as a permanent reminder of the worst football and financial fiasco, farce and failure in NFL history.”

As for the next quarterback in Denver?

“Whatever happens, the Broncos can’t be wrong again,” Paige wrote. “They’ve suffered in Never-Never Land for eight straight seasons with bad quarterbacks, bad head coaches, bad generals.

”The Broncos cannot be wrong again.

Broncos Country, let’s ride with a quarterback in the draft.”