Quarterback Russell Wilson reiterated his desire to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the team should explore other options at the most important position.
“Obviously, I hope I’m here,” Wilson, a free agent this offseason, said after a 28-14 wild-card loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. “I trust God, whenever that is. And it’s a special, special place. And I know God brought me here for a reason.”
The Steelers have not clarified whether they want Wilson to return in 2025. In his postgame news conference, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin said Wilson’s “wasn’t good enough,” but he praised the QB for his leadership.
After Wilson recovered from a calf injury, he replaced Justin Fields as the team’s starting QB in Week 7. In his first four starts, he went 4-0, and the Steelers averaged 27.2 points per game.
The former Pro Bowler fizzled in his last seven starts. He went 2-5 during this span, and Pittsburgh averaged 21 points per game.
Wilson finished the regular season with 2,482 passing yards, 16 touchdown passes, five interceptions and a slightly above-average 51.4 QBR. Against Baltimore, the 36-year-old completed 20-of-29 passes for 270 yards and two TDs but was sacked four times.
Wilson could still be Pittsburgh’s bridge QB. Spotrac estimates his market value is a two-year deal worth $38.7M annually, 15th among QBs.
However, Fields, a free agent this offseason, may offer more potential. In 10 games, the 25-year-old had 10 touchdowns (five passing and five rushing) and 1,395 yards (1,106 passing and 289 rushing). He also went 4-2 in six starts.
Re-signing Fields should be cheaper for Pittsburgh. According to Spotrac, his market value is a one-year deal worth $8.9M annually.
If the Steelers don’t find a franchise QB, they may struggle to compete in the AFC North, where Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals await twice a year.
While Wilson won a Super Bowl when he starred for the Seattle Seahawks, it’s apparent that he’s no longer an elite quarterback.
