Stephen A. is DISGUSTED with Shannon Sharpe about the Russell Wilson-Steelers move đ | First Take
Summary
TLDRIn this transcript, the discussion revolves around the recent move of quarterback Russell Wilson from the Denver Broncos to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The panel analyzes the low risk involved for the Steelers, as the Broncos are covering a significant portion of Wilson's salary. They debate whether Wilson's arrival will upgrade the team and contend for the division championship, considering his impressive track record despite a challenging 2022 season. The conversation also touches on the potential impact on the team's dynamics and the expectations for Wilson's performance in Pittsburgh.
Takeaways
- đ€ Russell Wilson was granted permission by the Denver Broncos to speak with other teams, initiating his free agent tour.
- đ Wilson had exploratory meetings with teams including the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- đ Pittsburgh Steelers' interest in Wilson was fueled by their desire to bring in competition for their current quarterback, Kenny Pickett.
- đ° The Steelers only need to pay Wilson the veteran minimum of $1.2 million, with the Broncos covering the bulk of his salary at $37.8 million.
- đ Wilson's impressive resume includes nine Pro Bowl appearances, a Super Bowl win, and strong recent performances, making him an attractive option for the Steelers.
- đ The Steelers' decision to pursue Wilson was influenced by a combination of his skills, low risk, and affordability compared to other options like Justin Fields.
- đ Wilson's arrival in Pittsburgh is expected to significantly upgrade the team's quarterback position and overall competitiveness.
- đ„ Opinions vary on whether Wilson will compete with Pickett for the starting job or be seen as the clear choice from the outset.
- đ€ The transcript features a lively discussion with various analysts expressing their views on Wilson's move and its implications for the Steelers.
- đïžââïž The Steelers' new quarterback situation, with Wilson potentially leading the team, is seen as a chance for them to contend within a tough division.
Q & A
Why did the Denver Broncos grant Russell Wilson permission to speak with other teams?
-The Denver Broncos granted Russell Wilson permission to speak with other teams as they were open to the possibility of him finding a new team. Once this permission was granted, Wilson began his free agent tour, exploring opportunities with various teams.
Which teams did Russell Wilson meet with during his free agent tour?
-During his free agent tour, Russell Wilson met with the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers, spending about 6 hours with the latter.
What was Mike Tomlin's record against Russell Wilson in their previous matchups?
-Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, had a record of 0-2 against Russell Wilson in their previous matchups, with Wilson throwing eight touchdowns and no interceptions in those games.
How much of Russell Wilson's salary is the Pittsburgh Steelers paying, and how much is the Denver Broncos covering?
-The Pittsburgh Steelers are only paying Russell Wilson the veteran minimum of $1.2 million, while the Denver Broncos are covering the majority of his salary, amounting to $37.8 million.
What was the Pittsburgh Steelers' motivation for bringing in Russell Wilson?
-The Steelers wanted to bring in someone to compete with Kenny Pickett, their current quarterback. They saw Wilson as a valuable addition who could either take over the starting role or significantly elevate the level of competition in the quarterback position.
What factors contributed to the Steelers choosing Russell Wilson over other options like Justin Fields?
-The Steelers chose Russell Wilson because he fit their needs and came at the right price. Wilson's experience, accomplishments, and the fact that they wouldn't have to give up draft compensation or pay a high price made him a more attractive option than other quarterbacks like Justin Fields.
What is the current situation with Kirk Cousins in the NFL free agency?
-Kirk Cousins is considered a big piece in the free agency puzzle, with teams like Minnesota and Atlanta showing interest. His decision will have significant financial implications for these teams, and there is anticipation for his choice.
What are the expectations for Russell Wilson in his new role with the Pittsburgh Steelers?
-There are high expectations for Wilson to take over the starting quarterback role and lead the team to success. His experience and skill level are seen as an upgrade over the previous options, and many believe he will be the starter once he joins the team.
What was the reaction of the panel to the news of Russell Wilson joining the Pittsburgh Steelers?
-The panel had mixed reactions. While some were enthusiastic about the acquisition, others questioned why teams like the Broncos and Seahawks moved on from Wilson despite his strong performance. There was a general consensus, however, that the Steelers had significantly upgraded their quarterback position.
How does the panel discuss the potential impact of Russell Wilson on the Steelers' performance in the upcoming season?
-The panel believes that Wilson's addition gives the Steelers a better chance of competing within their division. While there is acknowledgement that he may not be the same player as a few years ago, his performance last season is still seen as a significant upgrade for the team.
What are the key factors that the panel believes will determine Russell Wilson's success with the Pittsburgh Steelers?
-The panel cites Wilson's ability to compete with Kenny Pickett for the starting job, his past performance, and the Steelers' supporting cast, including their defense and offensive line, as key factors that will determine his success.
Outlines
đ Russell Wilson's Move to the Pittsburgh Steelers
This paragraph discusses the circumstances leading to Russell Wilson joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. It explains that the Denver Broncos allowed Wilson to speak with other teams, initiating his free agent tour. The Steelers showed interest and met with Wilson, who spent significant time with them. The Steelers' decision to bring in Wilson was influenced by his past performance against them, the team's desire for a competitor for Kenny Pickett, and the financial benefits of the deal. The Broncos are covering a large portion of Wilson's salary, making it a low-risk move for the Steelers.
đ€ Evaluating the Steelers' Quarterback Decision
The discussion in this paragraph revolves around the rationale behind the Steelers' decision to acquire Russell Wilson and whether it was influenced by the high asking price for Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears. The panelists agree that Wilson was a good fit for the Steelers at the right price, considering his accomplishments and the fact that they only have to pay him the veteran minimum. The conversation also touches on the potential reasons why other teams might have moved on from Wilson, including leadership changes and off-field factors.
đ Russell Wilson's Impact on the Steelers
This paragraph focuses on the potential impact of Russell Wilson on the Steelers. The panelists express their belief that Wilson will be the starting quarterback and that his presence significantly upgrades the team's quarterback situation. They argue that Wilson's performance in the previous season, despite the Seahawks' decision to move on, still makes him a top-tier quarterback in the NFL. The discussion also includes expectations for the Steelers' competitiveness within their division with Wilson on the roster.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄRussell Wilson
đĄPittsburgh Steelers
đĄFree Agent
đĄSalary Cap
đĄMike Tomlin
đĄKenny Pickett
đĄQuarterback Competition
đĄPro Bowl
đĄSuper Bowl
đĄDraft Compensation
đĄOffensive Line
Highlights
Russell Wilson was granted permission to speak with other teams by the Denver Broncos.
Wilson began a free agent tour, including meetings with the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has faced Russell Wilson twice, with a 0-2 record.
Wilson has thrown eight touchdowns and no interceptions against Tomlin's teams.
The Steelers are interested in having Wilson compete with Kenny Pickett for the starting quarterback position.
Denver Broncos are paying $37.8 million of Wilson's salary, while the Steelers pay him the veteran minimum of $1.2 million.
There is no risk involved for the Steelers in acquiring Wilson.
Wilson believes he will be the starting quarterback in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers chose Wilson over trading for Justin Fields due to the high asking price and draft compensation.
Wilson is an accomplished quarterback with nine Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl win.
The Steelers have a strong defense, which is beneficial for Wilson.
Wilson would be competing against Kenny Pickett, who has not yet solidified his position.
The Steelers' offensive line is decent, providing a good environment for Wilson.
Wilson's addition to the Steelers is seen as an upgrade from their previous quarterback situation.
Despite Wilson's impressive stats, some question his current level of play compared to his past performance.
The Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos moved on from Wilson due to leadership and voice changes.
Wilson's performance last year with the Broncos is considered solid and potentially an upgrade for the Steelers.
The Steelers are expected to contend for the division championship with Wilson as their quarterback.
Wilson's presence on the Steelers is seen as a significant upgrade and a potential game-changer for the team's playoff chances.
Transcripts
all right Adam I'm coming to you here
first tell me this why the Steelers for
Russ how did this happen well Molly
here's the situation essentially last
year or last week that Denver Broncos
granted Russell Wilson permission to
speak with other teams once they did
that he started his free agent tour
early so he was able to speak in an
exploratory way with the New York Giants
he was able to meet with the Pittsburgh
Steelers in Pittsburgh spent about 6
hours there on Friday Mike Tomlin has
gone up against Russell Wilson twice in
his career in those two games Mike
Tomlin is 0 and2 and Russell Wilson has
thrown eight touchdowns and no
interceptions Mike talman's been pretty
clear about the fact that they wanted to
bring in somebody to compete with Kenny
picket this season Russell Wilson is
essentially on a situation here where
the Denver Broncos are paying $ 37.8
million of his salary while the
Pittsburgh Steelers only have to pay him
the veteran minimum 1.2 there's no risk
at all involved for the Pittsburgh
Steelers now Russell Wilson comes into
Pittsburgh he takes over there and
competes with Kenny picket for the
starting job he believes he'll be the
guy he doesn't go there if he doesn't
think he's not going to be the guy and
the Steelers have a new quarterback to
go up against Kenny picket that's what I
think he was thinking in choosing the
Pittsburgh Steelers Adam shef always
good to see you buddy thank you for
being on the show quick quick quick
absolutely quick question here did they
pick Wilson because of the low risk or
did they pick Wilson because the Chicago
Bears are asking for too much and they
weren't willing to pay that price for
Justin Fields well Stephen A I believe
that they picked Russell Wilson because
he fit what they were trying to do and
he was the right price both and it's not
that Chicago is asking too much it's
that as the bearers reviewed their
options or as the Steelers reviewed
their options they made the
determination that this solution to
their particular quarterback situation
was better than the one of trading
whatever it would take to go get Justin
Fields with the fifth year option that
they'd have to pick up and guarantee or
not have to give up the draft
compensation whereas they can go get
Russell Wilson who's been to nine Pro
bowls who's won a Super Bowl who last
year threw 26 touchdowns and eight
interceptions and I know the Broncos
moved on from him and Shawn Payton gave
him his permission to go seek another
team but the fact of the matter is he is
an accomplished guy and Pittsburgh's
paying him $1.2 million without any
compensation to the Denver Broncos which
is why we say no
so I think all those factors enter into
why it's Russell Adam before we bring in
Shannon and Dan who's going to be the
next quarterback to find a
home well Molly everybody keeps waiting
for kurk cousins that is the big Domino
to fall but while we're waiting Baker
Mayfield goes back to Tampa Russell
Wilson goes to Pittsburgh to me Kirt
cousins has to make a decision because
there's so much money so much at stake
so much tied up in him that Minnesota
needs to get an answer and Atlanta needs
to get an answer and those seem to be
the two places that are obviously
recording him interested in him and
we'll see what he chooses but cousins is
the most obvious guy out there and
there's so much rotting on it that to me
I would think that we get an answer from
him probably at some point today but we
shall see all right Adam thank you so
much appreciate it we'll talk to you
soon thank all right I want to bring in
Shannon and Dan now do we have those
gentlemen there they are Shannon good
morning great to see you uh Shannon tell
me this the Steelers do you feel they're
the best team to let Russ Cook
I do they have a ve they have a very
they have a very strong defense and I
think Russ when Russ looks at it you
look at the option they got jayen Warren
nji Harris running the football they got
uh uh you look at the wide receiver
Court I it looks like Deontay Johnson
might be on the the trading block but I
love George pickings I love Fri M
offensive line is decent not great but
decent and I think Russ is in an ideal
situation he goes in and he's competing
against Kenny picket now Kenny Piet has
has two years to solidify this job if
Kenny picket was as entrenched as many
thought he was Russ would not be an
option the mere fact that Russ is an
option lets you know that they're not as
high or as strong on H Kenny picket as
many believe they are I don't believe he
holds off Russ Russ will be the starter
uh I I think this is an ideal situation
for Russ he goes to a team um that
believe that I I think they believe in
him I think Mike Tomlin really likes him
I think Mike Tomlin realizes that Russ
is better than anything that he's had
since a young Ben rensburg and this
gives him the best chance cuz he's tired
of going you know oh he he's never had a
losing season that's not good enough for
Mike Tomlin and I think Steeler
ownership has made that abundantly clear
you know winning season 10 and seven
that's not good enough for them they
want to be in position where they can
compete for championships and they
haven't been able to do that in a very
long time and I think Russ is a viable
option but the question is what Russ are
they getting are they getting uh four or
five year ago rust are they getting a
rust that the uh the Seattle Seahawks
says nah we're good we're going to move
on the Broncos says we're going to eat
$85 million in dead money and we'll pay
you $ 38 $37 million to move on so the
question is what rust are they getting
whatever the case that may be that rust
that they're getting is better than
Kenny picket well let me say this to you
Molly uh uh uh DOL and whatever I am
very very very disgusted with Shannon
sharp this morning and I'm glad that
he's on the screen right now I expect
more enthus enthusiasm we are down here
in Austin Texas I had to give a speech
for South by Southwest yesterday this
brother is being honored with the
podcast of the Year this is I mean you
you would think that Shannon would be a
bit I don't know whether it's it's it's
true or not or whatever the case may be
but this is stuff that I'm hearing down
here this is stuff that I'm hearing my
point is with all the great work that
Shannon is doing you would think that he
would be a bit more enthusiastic when
he's talking about Russell Wilson and
what what does he do oh no that's not
something that's going on here he say m
excuse me put Shannon back on I want to
see that man's face I want to see that
man's face first of all don't give me
that bro let me tell you something right
now I want to hear that this is Kenny
picket we talking about anything is an
upgrade with the quarterback situation
to Steel is had last year now me I'm not
gonna sit up here and Rave about Russell
Wilson but when you say Kenny picket
Mason Rudolph uh uh uh Mitchell trabitz
that's what you had last year and now
here here we are today and we talking
about Russell Wilson and if he's this
please he's throwing 26 touchdowns last
year the Steelers thr 25 in the last two
years shann and I expect more enthusiasm
from you
bro it depends on Russell Wilson they're
going to get Shannon if they get any
Russell Wilson but
2022 this team will cont contend for the
division championship yes I understand
Baltimore and Cincinnati are there
they're obviously the favorites
Cleveland's defense what do we get with
DeShawn that's the only bad year Russell
Wilson's had is 2022 shaneon stepen a
Molly I said it this I think this is the
dumbest conversation I think I've been a
part of in the last 18 months of what
Russell Wilson is Russell Wilson in his
last four seasons he's gone 40
touchdowns in like 11 picks then he went
25 touchdowns in seven picks then he had
the bad 20122 year with Nathaniel hacket
he went like 16 touchdowns and 11 picks
last year he had 26 and8 we talk about
Russell Wilson in this public forum like
he's an afterthought like he can't play
maybe he's not and I don't want to sell
it as he is this top five quarterback
but everything that says playwise you
can tell me Shawn pton carried him four
years of evidence in his last four years
he's got like 110 touchdowns and 30
interceptions but we talk about him like
he's a backup for some reason if he just
goes and plays the way he did last year
next year for Pittsburgh they're going
to a playoff game that's all he's got to
go do Russell Wilson is still still a
top 12 quarterback in the
NFL question but my question is if he's
everything that you're saying that he is
why would two teams move off of him move
off of him for potentially Gino Smith
and Drew lock and they move off of him
for uh uh the kid that that that that I
don't I forget his name he came from uh
the Raiders why would team Contin move
off a guy that you said is what you
believe he is something is not adding up
can I answer that go ahead can I answer
that real quick number one Shannon let
me I mean far be far be it for me the
nonf football player on this panel to
bring this up but you were in Seattle
for a decade so that's not like Parton
ways per se he was there for a decade
and then in the case of Denver well he
got contaminated by himself and his ego
because it was a a lot of nonf football
stuff really alienated folks and then
you had Nathaniel hacket that's a double
whammy so that might have something to
do with it and then Shawn Pon comes in
there and he instantly does not like you
because of that residue and that might
have something to do with it as well I I
see Shannon that's where I stand on it
you know like we did Lewis rck and I
called a Monday night football game
after they moved on from Russ and there
was the overwhelming thing of it was
just time they they wanted new
leadership they wanted a new voice and
again he was he was going to be asking
for an extension so all those V because
all those variables they they wanted
something different and something new
that's just it had just come to that
point and if you go to Denver we all
knew that Shawn Payton going in there
was going to want his guy Russell Wilson
wasn't necessarily his guy now does his
Play Warrant $40 million a year pay
Shannon no no but his play is still good
solid relatively high level starting
quarterback play in the NFL no
question well help Dio can you help me
understand what team wants to move on
from a guy it threw 40 touchdown with 11
picks what team wants to move on from a
guy that made TW that threw 25
touchdowns in seven ints tell so Jim har
uh Jim Harbaugh does he want to move on
from Justin Herbert does he want his guy
no because they haven't been together
for 10 years
I don't know Russell Shannon I don't
know so but but you hear Sean
Payton Shawn Payton hadn't been with
Russell but for four days so I'm asking
you said Shawn pyton wants his guy does
Jim Harbaugh wants his guy does he want
someone other than Justin Herbert now I
need you to huh I get what you're saying
I I understand the correlation you're
making so that's all I'm saying look
I I hope Russ is a able to become Russ
of four or five years ago and that is
the question that we're asking Stephen A
to answer your point yes he's better
than Mason Rudolph he's better than
Kenny pick he's better than Mitchell
trabis but that's not good enough just
by being better does that ensure you the
division does that ensure you a deep run
in the playoff by just being better than
marinal quarterbacks absolutely not
number one number one they were 10 and
seven last year like do just said but
number two and more importantly Shannon
there's nobody out there that you could
have gotten that's going to guarantee
you the division against Mark Lamar
Jackson or Joe burrow so whatever they
got wasn't going to guarantee them that
so I'm not holding them to that standard
I'm simply saying they upgraded
significantly and here's the turnoff
deal let me turn my attention to you
because let me tell y'all something
right now you Adam shef and everybody
else love you guys y'all gonna have
y'all gonna get big time attitude from
me if everybody keeps going out there
talking about well you know he's got to
fight for the job and he's is going to
compete with Kenny picket and I don't
want to hear that I want to hear that if
this man I don't want to hear that at
all as far as I'm concerned if it is a
competition Russell Wilson need to go he
don't even need to bother coming to the
Steel City cuz I know this much a
nine-time pro bowler a Super Bowl
champion if if you got to come in based
on the Kenny picket that we saw this
past season and then it's two years 13
touchdowns 133 interceptions that dude
if if you're competing with that dude
and it's it's nip and Tuck and wait a
minute that's not what I'm counting on
I'm looking at Russell Wilson as a
starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh
Steelers that's how I'm looking at it
yeah I totally agree Shar Stephen A I
totally agree like I I don't think this
is a competition Russell Wilson will be
the starting quarterback and I'll go
back and say last year Russell Wilson
was a top 10 top 12 quarterback and he's
going in a better situation now than in
Pittsburgh he's got George Pickins he's
got Fri mouth he's got got Deontay we'll
see if he's on the team that offensive
line was getting better he my point is
this Shannon he does not need to be a
better version of what he was last year
if you just copy and paste now sacks you
hope they go down a little bit Arthur
Smith wants to run the football play
action pass but my point is this
yesterday morning the Steelers didn't
realistically have a shot within the
division we would fingers crossed and
speak positively because of Mike Tomlin
and I agree with you Stephen A I'm they
don't I'm not sitting here pounding the
table going absolutely versus Baltimore
and Cincinnati or Cleveland but they got
a shot now like they got a chance to
compete within the healthiest division
in football and that's because they have
Russell
[Music]
Wilson
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