Former Steelers QB Makes A Definitive Case For The Return Of Russell Wilson In 2025: "You're Not Getting Anything Better"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled to find a new franchise quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired. They used their first-round pick in 2022 on Kenny Pickett, and when it was clear that he wasn't ready to lead a team at the professional level, they signed Russell Wilson to a one-year contract. When Pickett was unhappy and asked to be traded, they made another trade for Justin Fields. Now that the season has ended, they must decide how to go forward in 2025.  

There are arguments to be made for both Wilson and Fields. Wilson, at 36, has a lot of experience at the highest levels as a nine-time Pro Bowler who took the Seattle Seahawks to two Super Bowls, winning one. While Wilson performed well initially, some of the struggles fans of the Denver Broncos complained about began to rear their head as they lost the regular season's final four games. Fields is young and has elite athletic talents. He is one of the fastest players on the team and has shown that he can be dangerous when he can get loose. However, his decision-making and passing consistency have been criticized. The Steelers will need to either bring one of the two back, find a new veteran, or draft a quarterback. 

Former longtime backup Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch knows the franchise as well as anyone. He spent 11 years with the Steelers and now works as an analyst and color commentator for the team. He recently joined the Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show on 102.5 WDVE to discuss how the team prepares for 2025 and if they should bring back Wilson.

"I think when you look at where you are at, and there's a lot that goes into this equation, you're not getting anything better out there in the free agent market right now," said Batch. "If there is, that means you would have to trade for somebody, and I don't think this team is able to give up that draft capital to now go out and get somebody else. From a leadership perspective, you definitely need it, but it's just a matter of looking at it from an organizational perspective. Do you take on the older veteran guy, or do you look to reset it with Justin Fields as a young guy who could potentially be here for 10 years? But to me, that's a yes."

Batch echoed the sentiments of most of the local media; he doesn't see a scenario where both quarterbacks return to play in black and gold. The franchise will need to pick which direction they want to go. Quarterbacks will always be in demand, but it is especially true this offseason because the draft is not laden with talent as it has been in other years. 

While Fields jumped at the opportunity to leave the Chicago Bears, Batch said he wants to be a starter in 2025. He is already back, working on improving to show the NFL that he can be that guy. Batch applauded how he handled having to step back from the starting role once Wilson was healthy, calling him an excellent teammate. While he likes Fields' talent, he believes Wilson fits this team's current needs best. 

Will The Steelers Get A Friendly Deal From Russell Wilson?

When Wilson had the team at 10-3, many fans were on board with paying him a solid contract of $30 million or more yearly. However, after the losses, that amount has dropped significantly. The issue, according to Batch, is the market. 

All that matters is what Wilson will accept and if the team can pay him that. While fans might not agree with it, the quarterback market has set the value so high that asking for $30 million isn't unreasonable. He pointed out that Kyler Murray makes roughly $46 million annually, and many would say Wilson is a better quarterback. 

Do you agree with Batch that Wilson is the best choice for the team? Click to comment below. 

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