Robert Griffin III calls out Russell Wilson’s critics ahead of QB's rumored Steelers move: “Put some respect on his name”
Sean Payton benched Russell Wilson after Week 16's loss to the New England Patriots. Since then, there have been speculations about the quarterback's exit from Denver, and he's expected to leave the franchise this offseason.
Ahead of his impending exit from the Denver Broncos, former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III called out Wilson's critics. He asked them to respect the Super Bowl-winning quarterback as he is coming off a pretty good season. Griffin said:
"Stop with the Russell Wilson slander. I have never heard anyone question the leadership, ability to be a starter or even be in the NFL of a Super Bowl-winning QB coming off these numbers before: 26 TDs-8 ints, 66.4 completion %, 98.0 passer rating. PUT SOME RESPECT ON HIS NAME."
Griffin's comments came after some floated the possibility of Russell Wilson serving as a backup quarterback to Aaron Rodgers in 2024.
Last season, the Broncos quarterback threw for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 15 games with a passer rating of 98.0. He bounced back from a tough first season in Denver, but apparently, Sean Payton wants a younger quarterback on the team.
It makes sense, as he wasn't the coach when the franchise acquired Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks.
Russell Wilson could be the Steelers' quarterback next season
With the Atlanta Falcons emerging as the favorites to land Justin Fields, the Pittsburgh Steelers are being viewed as the most likely destination for Wilson.
Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco recently told Shannon Sharpe that as per his sources, Wilson could be playing for the Steelers next season.
The Steelers are in the market for a new quarterback, and a move for Wilson would make sense. With Mike Tomlin as the coach, the 35-year-old quarterback could play quality football and be an upgrade on Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph.
The Steelers finished last season with a 10-7 record and made the playoffs. Pickett, who suffered an injury, was replaced by Rudolph, but the team lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Wildcard Round.
The AFC North is stacked, so the Steelers need a good quarterback to contend in a division that has Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson and Lamar Jackson. Wilson could be able to redeem himself with the Steelers next season.