The Russell Wilson era ended two years ago for the Seattle Seahawks when they traded him to the Denver Broncos, but he still looms large over a franchise where he’s by far the best starting quarterback they’ve ever had.
Heading into the 2024 NFL season, Wilson is now playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he has a narrow lead on their quarterback depth chart ahead of Justin Fields.
Even though they haven’t been teammates in three seasons, Wilson and Seattle’s star wide receiver DK Metcalf are still close enough to keep in touch and work out together. Watch Russ throwing to DK in an early-morning session from earlier this week.
Crazy watching @DangeRussWilson & @dkm14 train this morning! 6 am! Connection Special! @NFL
John Ursua is smooth too! #GreatnessIsaHabit #MoonBalls pic.twitter.com/E9vunRvdqa— John Shackleton (@shack_fit) June 26, 2024
Metcalf is entering his sixth year in the NFL. For the last few seasons he’s been their clear WR1 despite a healthy portion of the passing offense going to long-time veteran Tyler Lockett. However, Metcalf might be challenged for targets this year by Jaxon Smith-Njigba, one of two first-round draft picks that the Seahawks made in the 2023 draft. Smith-Njigba had a slow start to his rookie season due to a wrist injury and some unimaginative playcalling from former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. However, JSN was considered the best receiver in his draft class and is by far Seattle’s best breakout candidate on offense this year.
If the arrival of new head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb can get Metcalf to finally live up to his full potential he has no reason to fear Smith-Njigba as a threat to supplant him as the team’s top receiver. If.
