Russell Wilson Rumors: Steelers Have Interest in Contract, 'Planning to Meet' with QB

Russell Wilson's next landing sport reportedly could be on the other side of the country.

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Steelers "are interested" in Wilson and "are tentatively planning" to meet with him before the start of free agency next week. Dulac noted that Wilson is also interested in joining the Steelers.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday that Wilson received permission from the Denver Broncos to immediately begin speaking and meeting with other teams in their home cities before free agency opens on March 13. Denver announced on Monday that it plans to release Wilson at the start of the new league year following his disappointing two-year run with the team.

The Steelers' interest in Wilson is somewhat surprising following the vote of confidence general manager Omar Khan recently gave to quarterback Kenny Pickett, who is coming off an up-and-down sophomore season in the NFL.

"I have full faith in Kenny," Khan told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine last week. "He's shown us some good things, and obviously there were some issues with the offense. I'm excited about the impact that [new offensive coordinator] Arthur Smith's going to have on him. Arthur's very optimistic about Kenny and they communicated, and like I said, we will have some strong competition there and we'll see where it goes. Feel really good about him."

Pickett was limited to 12 games this past season due to an ankle injury that required surgery. Following the release of Mitch Trubisky and with Mason Rudolph set for free agency, Pickett is the only quarterback on the Steelers roster.

Perhaps Pittsburgh will look to give Pickett a redshirt year by signing Wilson. The team made the playoffs with Rudolph leading the way over the final three games of the season, so a veteran signal-caller like Wilson could be exactly what the Steelers need to be a contender in the AFC.