Is this the end for Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh?
The Steelers face some crucial decisions after their early playoff exit. One of the focuses will be on whether or not to retain the services of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. With his one-year contract up, he’s been linked with a possible move to the Las Vegas Raiders, among other prospects that may lure him away.
Wilson’s leadership and experience have been pivotal in guiding the team to a playoff berth. However, other challenges have persisted and continue to see the team struggling in comparison to their historical pedigree. With his future uncertain, the team must now weigh the unenviable option of retaining him against exploring other options to solidify their quarterback position.
Biggest scoop yet. Jay Glazer says Russell Wilson won’t be back with Steelers. Doesn’t sound bullish on Fields either. FYI-Glazer is Tomlin’s best friend in football media. pic.twitter.com/X4NrCBV5Hx
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) February 6, 2025
Current outlook for the Steelers
Unfortunately for Steelers fans, the reality is their odds position them as longshots for next year’s Super Bowl. Their odds to win the Super Bowl stand at +5000, a far cry from the squad of 2008 who were the last crop of Steelers players to taste Super Bowl success.
Currently, the Steelers are listed at +800 odds to win the AFC North division, indicating only a competitive chance but not a likely outcome for the tough division. According to sports betting expert Gavin Beech, many bettors now use modern online sportsbooks with promos to help stretch their bankrolls.
The team’s success, if they go on to have any in the upcoming season, will largely depend on the performance of their quarterbacks and the effectiveness of potentially revamped offensive line.
Russell Wilson’s potential move to the Las Vegas Raiders
According to Yahoo Sports, Wilson could potentially make a move to the Las Vegas Raiders. With the Raiders recently hiring Pete Carroll, a move there could make sense for Wilson after their time together with the Seattle Seahawks. Together, Carroll and Wilson appeared in two Super Bowls, with the Seahawks emerging victorious in Super Bowl XLVIII.
That was at the end of the 2013 season, which is a lifetime ago in the National Football League. While a reunion looks appealing outside parties as the Raiders seek to strengthen their quarterback position, there’s no confirmation that the two are on good terms after Wilson’s falling out in Seattle.
Still, stranger bedfellows have been made and prior familiarity could lead to Wilson’s swan song in the Sin City. Raiders minority owner Tom Brady has spoken highly of Wilson. Hiring offensive coordinator Chip Kelly away from the College Football National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes could also be appealing for Wilson, who threw for 2,482 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions over 11 games in Pittsburgh.
Reasons to stay in the Steel City
However, despite Wilson leading the Steelers to the playoffs, their first-round elimination at the hands of the Ravens has now left his future with the team uncertain. Amid other problems like a weakened defense, the team may have a problem holding onto Wilson even if they want to keep him.
Some are speculating that Justin Fields would provide competition in Pittsburgh, however, that’s an unlikely scenario with Wilson having taken over the offense after six games with Fields relegated to spot duty. With both entering free agency, Steelers president Art Rooney II expressed retaining both quarterbacks, but acknowledge the reality that only one of the two may return in 2025.
Pittsburgh is a far more stable franchise than Las Vegas, which may lead to Wilson’s decision to stay. Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who has maintained a .500 record or better since 2007, is expected to return for the 2025 season. The Steelers have been patient with Tomlin’s leadership and are expected to continue placing their faith in him.
While pressure is mounting after some disappointing performances in the last seasons, for now, there is no indication of impending coaching changes. As such, this would be the first time in five consecutive seasons that Wilson’s offensive coordinator doesn’t change in the offseason, provided he returns alongside Steelers play caller Arthur Smith in 2025.
Another offseason with QB questions
With the franchise committed to continuity, they will likely look to address the challenges that led to their late-season decline by tweaking their roster during the offseason. However, it may still be too early to tell just how the team will look come the new season.
The Steelers moved on from all three of their quarterbacks in 2023: Mitchell Trubisky was released, Kenny Pickett was traded, and Mason Rudolph wasn’t re-signed. They are in a similar situation following the 2024 season, as all three of the quarterbacks on the roster are not under contract heading into 2025.
The uncertainty surrounding Russell Wilson is also true of Justin Fields, who is also part of a group of 25 pending Steelers free agents. Wilson’s move will impact Fields, who may commit to another team if he doesn’t have an opportunity to be the Steelers starter next season. Third-string quarterback Kyle Allen is also scheduled to become a free agent, leaving Pittsburgh in the same, or worse scenario as they were one year ago.
With the quarterback position the most important in pro football, it would benefit the Steelers to make a decision on Wilson soon. The 36-year-old quarterback isn’t a long-term solution, however, he headlines the best option of those who may become available to Pittsburgh in free agency. After the Steelers’ changed their approach to free agency last year, we could see them play the market aggressively again, but it’s unlikely they’ll yield a viable upgrade by signing or trading for another quarterback.
Questions surround other veteran signal callers around the league, such as Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins, both of whom require their current teams to release them. Other pending free agents may become available, but have had their share of failures too, such as Vikings QB Sam Darnold.
Perhaps the Steelers would be better suited to sticking with the quarterback who brought them ten wins, rather than move into a dire situation with another afterthought at the position. That’s all up to Wilson and the front office to decide if he’s the current passer on their depth chart to hitch their saddles to.
