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Russell Wilson Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Former GM says Russell Wilson can have resurgence like Hall of Fame QB

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 3/8/24

Russell Wilson's two-year tenure with the Broncos can be described as a failure after going 11-19 as the starter. It was unexpected that it ended so soon after Wilson signed a five-year, $242.5 million deal with Denver in 2022, but many believe the 35-year-old's best days are behind him.

Former general manager and three-time Super Bowl champion Michael Lombardi is not among those, however. In fact, he thinks Wilson can have a similar resurgence similar to Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner at the end of his NFL career.

"When Kurt Warner left the Giants, he was not playing well," Lombardi said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "And then he went to Arizona, was the backup there, and then became the starter. I think those two years that he had at Arizona was what got him into the Hall of Fame."

"Russell Wilson could be the bridge to get you to your next QB because it's so damn hard to find one..

When Kurt Warner left the Giants he wasn't playing well but I believe his two years after that in Arizona is what got him into the Hall of Fame" ~ @mlombardiNFL #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/UJgi7sYq0Q
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 8, 2024

Warner played for the Giants for one season (2004), throwing just six touchdowns and four interceptions in 10 games. Many believed the league had seen the best of him, but then he got another chance with the Cardinals and took full advantage of his opportunity.

Over his last few seasons, Warner led Arizona to Super Bowl XLIII while passing for 11,753 yards and 83 touchdowns.

Wilson, like Warner, will get another opportunity since he is reportedly open to playing for the veteran minimum of $1.21 million. The Broncos owe him $39 million regardless, for the 2024 season, minus the salary he gets from a new team.

The 12-year veteran is still deciding where he wants to play next. He already met with the Giants on Thursday and is meeting with the Steelers on Friday.

What team does Lombardi believe gives Wilson the best chance to end his career like Warner?

"I would go to Pittsburgh because they're going to be a good team defensively," Lombardi stated. "He's not gonna have to carry the team. Plus, he's got really good skill players there. They've got some really good skill players that we have not noticed enough because of the lack of play at quarterback."

If Wilson does choose the Steelers as his next team, he will have to compete with QB Kenny Pickett for the starting job. However, Lombardi doesn't think Wilson is worried about the No. 20 overall pick in 2022 who's thrown just 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 25 games.

"He's gonna watch the tape and say, 'Look, I can compete with Pickett. I'll go in there and beat him out,'" Lombardi finished. "I would not fear competition at quarterback if you're Pittsburgh. You need it. You absolutely need it."

Pickett is the only quarterback on the Steelers' current roster for the 2024 season, so they're going to add to the room sooner rather than later. Wilson might be the answer if he believes Pittsburgh gives him the best chance to compete for another championship at the end of his career.

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