Steelers' Russell Wilson Could Be Facing A Harsh Reality On Saturday With A Loss To The Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers could be playing their final game of the 2024 campaign on Saturday as they prepare to travel to take on the Baltimore Ravens for the third time this season. The Steelers are once again massive underdogs in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, which is something fans should be used to. The fan base is bracing for another season without a playoff win, but quarterback Russell Wilson could find a way to capture some of that midseason success he had earlier in the year.

The Steelers have proven they can beat this version of the Ravens, which they did back in Week 11. They have also shown they can be beaten by the Ravens as they suffered a heartbreaking loss in Week 16 by a score of 34-17. The Steelers were sort of in the game, but two turnovers by Wilson really hurt the chances of Pittsburgh escaping Baltimore with a win. The veteran quarterback will certainly be a key factor in whether or not Pittsburgh wins on Saturday. NFL reporter Mike Florio believes he has to win in order to have a future in the league, which he shared on 93.7 The Fan.

"You think anybody wants Russell Wilson back next year?" Florio asked if Pittsburgh loses to Baltimore. "You're right, because nobody's going to hand him a starting job, and he's not going to go the Joe Flacco route where he takes whatever spot he can on a depth chart. He'll walk away."

For a while during the regular season it seemed like Wilson returning to Pittsburgh on a new deal wasn't even in question, but it seems like that is a long shot now. Pittsburgh has struggled as a team throughout this four-game losing streak to end the regular season, but Wilson has also looked extremely bad at times. This can all change with a win in Baltimore and some resemblance of a playoff run, but that seems improbable based off of how bad the team has been playing.

Wilson has looked good for Pittsburgh at times, but he has also shown his age as well. He has taken far too many sacks and made some questionable decisions near the end of the year. The sacks aren't entirely his fault as the offensive line has also been struggling and the majority of the wide receiver room either quits in the middle of their routes or can't get open.

Regardless of the reasons for the poor play from Wilson, he hasn't been very inspiring during this last stretch. It's hard to imagine the Steelers will bring back the quarterback if they lose, and it is hard to imagine he finds a home elsewhere. Joe Flacco was once a very good quarterback that Florio brought up, and he has made a second career out of signing with teams as a backup and eventually playing. He has also done the method of waiting to sign with a team until later in the season, which worked out well for him in 2023 with the Cleveland Browns. 

Florio doesn't see a world where Wilson decides to go that route. The quarterback has stated that he wants to play several more seasons, but his play is simply declining. He needs to win on Saturday to potentially keep his career alive.

Steelers Have Justin Fields Waiting In The Wings

Pittsburgh has an interesting quarterback situation as the organization has Justin Fields sitting behind Wilson. Fields looked good and led the team to a 4-2 start to the 2024 season, but he was sent to the bench once Wilson got healthy. Both quarterbacks will be free agents after the season comes to a close, and it is hard to argue a case for why any team should sign Wilson over Fields. Fields is younger, is mobile, and clearly has more upside. He showed he improved as a passer during his six starts in Pittsburgh, and he has definitely forced the front office of the Steelers to make a tough decision.

What do you think is next for Wilson if the Steelers lose on Saturday? Let us know in the comments below!

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