Wearing sunglasses, a hoodie and shorts, Russell Wilson arrived at the Steelers’ facility Tuesday for the start of Pittsburgh’s voluntary offseason workouts. Fellow quarterback and offseason acquisition Justin Fields was also present when the 2024 Steelers took the field for the first time.
Wilson and Fields were the stars of what was a rocky start to free agency for the Steelers, who also acquired former Ravens Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen, defensive backs Donte Jackson and RB/WR DeShon Elliott /KR Cordarrelle Patterson and gaps Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins. .
A nine-time Pro Bowler in Seattle, Wilson is eager to prove he’s still a top player after two tough years in Denver. Fields, a former first-round pick who made 26 starts in Chicago, is expected to learn from Wilson, a player he emulated growing up. Fields should also provide quality depth while perhaps being the Steelers’ future at the position.
Aside from the quarterback position, the Steelers had a number of other notable players in town for the start of voluntary workouts. Pittsburgh is hoping to build on last year’s strong performance that earned it a 10-7 record and a playoff berth. This season, the Steelers are looking to end the franchise’s seven-year drought without a playoff victory.
“It’s really important to be here,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said on the team’s website. “Coming back here, seeing familiar faces, building on what we did last year, making the playoffs and everything.”
“Every time Coach T runs the meeting, that fire ignites in you,” added outside linebacker Alex Highsmith. “It was great to see him. It was great to be back with all the guys.
“We have a lot of new guys, a lot of new faces, so to come and see these guys is awesome. I’m looking forward to building team camaraderie during OTAs.”
