At the forefront of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ busy offseason is a decision that could be franchise-altering: What to do at the quarterback position. Two options are Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, both of whom spent the 2024-25 NFL season in Pittsburgh but are pending free agents come March 12.
During a nearly 40-minute interview on the Jan. 22 episode of ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show,” Wilson discussed his past, present, and future with the Steelers.
Steelers, Russell Wilson Contract Talks Have Begun
Fields aside, the Steelers are unlikely to find a viable starting quarterback this offseason, which could lead to another year under Wilson’s stewardship.
“Yes, we have been starting to talk a little bit,” Wilson said. “We’ve had our meetings and everything else, just getting into it. So I think that it’s an exciting time to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and the opportunity of what we can do.”
Though Wilson has stated that he wants to return to the Steelers, that is far from certain. But his options to start elsewhere are relatively slim.
There may be roles open in Tennessee, Las Vegas, and both New York teams as a veteran bridge option to a younger quarterback.
Russell Wilson on Contract talks with the Steelers: “Yes, we have been starting to talk a little bit. We've had our meetings and everything else, just getting into it. So I think that it's an exciting time to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and the opportunity of what we can do.”… https://t.co/p70pXn0qxn
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) January 23, 2025
Steelers Experience Rollercoaster Production From Wilson
While his first games with the Steelers gave fans hope, Wilson struggled to consistently command the offense down the line, prompting calls for Fields.
The veteran appeared rejuvenated in Weeks 7 through 14, producing 1,784 yards and 12 touchdowns (three interceptions) with a 64.2% completion average. But when faced with three playoff teams and the resurgent Cincinnati Bengals to close out the season, Wilson fell off a cliff — and the offense right along with it.
According to PFN’s QB+ metric, Wilson struggled to close out games in the fourth quarter (28th) and had a 38.8% conversion rate on third down (17th).
“This year was an exciting year in a lot of ways,” Wilson said. “It was tough at the end. We didn’t get it done, but I’ve got so much more in me, man.”
NFL fans must patiently wait to find out whether that “so much more” will be in Pittsburgh or elsewhere.