The Steelers plan to meet with quarterback Russell Wilson before free agency starts next week, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Thursday.

The report comes after the Denver Broncos gave the 35-year-old veteran permission to seek a new employer before they officially release him.

Wilson “has an interest” in joining the Steelers but is already in talks with at least one other team, per the report.

Signing Wilson — or Kirk Cousins or trading for Justin Fields, for that matter — would indicate that Pittsburgh isn’t convinced that Kenny Pickett can lead them to a Super Bowl. Wilson took Seattle to a pair of Super Bowls during a decorated decade with the Seahawks, winning a championship at Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.

When Pickett, their 2022 first-round draft pick, got injured in December, backup Mason Rudolph took over and led the Steelers (10-7) to the playoffs with three straight wins. Rudolph is an unrestricted free agent.

Wilson was informed he will be released when the 2024 NFL league year begins March 13, despite a dead-cap hit of $85 million incurred by the Broncos two years into a five-year contract.

The nine-time Pro Bowl selection turns 36 in November and goes to market only weeks before what is projected to be a very strong draft for quarterbacks.

Benched for the last two games of the 2023 season to avoid an injury that would trigger guarantees in his contract, Wilson posted an 11-19 record in 30 starts with the Broncos.

He won 104 regular-season games as the starter in Seattle and has passed for 43,653 yards with 334 touchdowns and 106 interceptions in 188 career contests. He’s added 5,307 rushing yards and 29 scores.

–Field Level Media