When the Denver Broncos released quarterback Russell Wilson this past offseason, most thought his career as a starter was basically over. Wilson signed a very cap-friendly one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for $1.21 million following his release from Denver.
Wilson took the minimum deal since he was still guaranteed $39 million for the season due to his prior contract with the Broncos.
Fast-forward to the 2024 season and Wilson has had a season that looks more like when he was with the Seattle Seahawks than his short-stint with the Broncos. Now, as a result, he could be looking at a big pay raise and extension.
Russell Wilson’s Rebound in 2024
Wilson suffered a calf injury early in training camp, which initially sidelined him for two weeks. Once he healed up, Wilson earned the starting job over Justin Fields. However, it flared up again late in camp and prevented him from playing in Week 1.
Fields ended up starting not only Week 1 but also the first six games of the year and led the Steelers to a 4-2 record. Yet, head coach Mike Tomlin made the move to Wilson once he was healthy and partly due to the fact that the Steelers lost two of three games after a 3-0 start.
Since becoming the starter, Wilson has led the Steelers to a playoff berth and are currently sitting atop the AFC North.
Wilson is averaging 236.6 passing yards per game this season, which is 14th in the NFL and tied with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Wilson also has a solid 15 touchdowns and four interceptions in his nine starts.
Is Wilson Up for a Big Payday?
The NFL likes winners, and Wilson’s bounce-back year leading the Steelers to the playoffs could end up with him being handsomely rewarded.
Pittsburgh made a choice this offseason moving on from Kenny Pickett with the additions of Wilson and Fields, and their goal was to find their future starter for years to come.
FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz joined “The Herd” and is predicting that Wilson could be rewarded by Pittsburgh with a deal comparable to the extension that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave to Baker Mayfield (three years, $100 million).
"There is a very good chance Steelers extend Russell Wilson similarly to what Tampa did with Baker Mayfield — 3 years, $100 million."@Schultz_Report to @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/XEyyAz1sT8
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) December 20, 2024
“I think [the Pittsburg Steelers] believe they have found that solution with Russell Wilson,” Schultz said. “We have seen a version of Russell Wilson that compares to Seattle Russell.
“There is a very good chance that the Steelers extend Russell Wilson similarly to what Tampa did with Baker Mayfield which was three years for $100 million.”
Wilson still has a few things to prove to earn a potential nine-figure extension, but he seems close to earning some sort of big payday. Getting Pittsburgh into the playoffs is the first step.
Next would be to lead the Steelers to a playoff run with a few victories and in position for a potential Super Bowl run.