Pat Freiermuth on new Steelers QB Russell Wilson: 'Starting to build that connection'

Russell Wilson is already building a strong relationship with his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates. Tight end Pat Freiermuth appeared on Around the 412 this week and said he was recently in California to work out with the Super Bowl champion quarterback.

“I was just down there in San Diego with him working out and throwing routes,” Freiermuth said. “He’s been great at talking to guys and starting to build that connection. He’s a great guy. You can tell the drive and determination that he has to win and come to Pittsburgh and win some playoff games for us.”

Wilson joins the Steelers after spending two seasons with the Denver Broncos. He did not have a good stint in Denver, so Wilson will be motivated to bounce back in 2024. He will have some competition as the Steelers acquired Justin Fields via trade with the Chicago Bears.

Mike Tomlin has been impressed with Russell Wilson

Despite the addition of Fields, Wilson will be listed as the Steelers’ top QB once the team hits the practice field again. “We’ve been very transparent about the pecking order, at least to start,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said at the annual NFL meeting last month.

“I just think that provides clarity for all parties involved. Russell is a veteran. He’s got a proven process of readiness. He’s been in this league a long time. He’s capable of rallying troops, receivers, tight ends, running backs, etc.

“He’s just got a lot of experience. And I just think that that’s something that a younger guy like Justin could learn from. It provides clarity for all parties involved as they do some of the informal things that competitors do this time of year, whether it’s coming together to work out at destinations and things of that nature. Rest assured, when it’s time to compete, they’ll be given an opportunity to compete, and it will allow those guys to sort themselves out.”

Wilson has been in the NFL since 2012. The 35-year-old was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the NFL Draft and became one of the top signal-callers in the league. He was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times, made the All-Pro Second Team in 2019 and led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl win during the 2013 season.

In March of 2022, Wilson was traded to the Broncos and signed a five-year $245 million contract with the team in September of that year. In 30 games, Wilson threw for 6,594 yards, 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions with an 11-19 record.