Preseason stinker proves Patriots were right to pass on veteran free agent QB

Although the Patriots headed into the offseason armed with the third overall pick in the 2024 Draft, they were expected to sign a veteran quarterback to serve as a bridge player and mentor to the presumed incoming rookie. They had a few options to consider, one of whom became Russell Wilson after the Broncos decided to release the Super Bowl XLVIII-winner.

The former longtime leader of the Seahawks offense had struggled in recent years, especially during his two-year stint in Denver. It wasn't something new head coach Sean Payton was on board for seeing through, despite the massive contract Wilson was signed to.

They wanted to rid themselves of Wilson so much they were willing to take on $85 million in dead cap over the next two seasons, potentially putting their roster in a hole just to make it happen.

Regardless, Wilson was still considered a top veteran quarterback candidate for needy teams like the Patriots, even more so since the Broncos were on the hook for $37.79 million to pay him for the 2024 season. That meant any team could sign him for the veteran minimum, which would be a steal.

Despite the notion that the Patriots would be an excellent spot for Wilson to wind up, that's inevitably what the Steelers did to bring in the veteran to revamp their stale quarterback room.

Because New England chose to sign Jacoby Brissett instead, there was talk that passing on Wilson's proven talent might have been a mistake. But given how he looked in his preseason debut with Pittsburgh, the Patriots seemed to have made the right decision.

Russell Wilson stinks it up for the Steelers in preseason opener

The Steelers are in a similar situation as the Patriots regarding their quarterback position, and they made significant moves to improve their roster by signing Wilson and trading for Justin Fields after the Bears decided they were no longer invested in their former draft pick.

There were a lot of eyes on Wilson's Steelers' debut on Saturday, but it was easy to avert your eyes the longer he was on the field.

During his showing, the veteran recorded 8/10 receptions for a measly 47 yards and was sacked three times for a loss of 21 yards. It was a far less impressive debut than most were anticipating, given his experience and seemingly clear path to being named the team's starter this fall.

It further proved the Patriots were right not to take a chance on Wilson, even if Brissett hasn't been the perfect quarterback this offseason. Fortunately, they're in a better position with Drake Maye waiting in the wings, which can't be said about Fields in Pittsburgh.

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