Steelers' Russell Wilson Could Be Using Interesting Tactic To Force Pittsburgh To Re-Sign Him Soon

It is extremely well known that the Pittsburgh Steelers have been unstable at the quarterback position since Ben Roethlisberger retired at the end of the 2021 season. Despite several efforts to rejuvenate the offense, most have failed and the franchise enters a 2025 offseason with several more questions than answers. It will be fascinating to see if the front office holds onto Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, with both set to be free agents once the new league year begins in March. It's likely that only one is retained and early indications, specifically coming from Wilson, hint that he is the organization's top choice currently.

It would be pretty surprising if the Steelers went on to sign Wilson to a deal worth a lot of money. The veteran was decent in 2024, but a five-game losing streak to end the year had to turn off a lot of people within the front office. Fields is much younger, and has the elusiveness to create a break-out play at any given moment. The team saw that during the six-game stretch he started to begin the campaign.

It has been relatively quiet from Fields' camp to begin the offseason, but the same can't be said for Wilson. He told the Pat McAfee Show that contract talks were beginning, which had to have put a little bit of pressure on the franchise internally. That hasn't been the only news that has been talked about with Wilson's name involved. He has already been linked to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Aside from simple speculation regarding Wilson and the Raiders, insiders have gone more in depth over the course of Conference Championship weekend. Ian Rapoport talked more about the possibility and interest between the two parties on Sunday.

"One of [Pete Carroll's] good friends is still Russell Wilson, the Steelers quarterback," Rapoport said. "My understanding is that Russell Wilson wanted to play for the Raiders last year. Did not happen. Look for that union potentially to be discussed."

With Pete Carroll being hired in Las Vegas, a reunion between he and Wilson makes sense, but the chatter this early makes it hard to believe it isn't intentional. There is no way to prove that Wilson's camp is in charge of stirring the pot in the national media regarding the quarterback and the Raiders; however, it's possible that if the Steelers really do want him to return, they would pass along an offer he simply can't refuse ahead of the free agency period beginning, so he can't walk.

Reports are ongoing throughout the calendar year in relation to NFL players and their respective situations. It's completely possible that Wilson's agent slipped a little note to Rapoport about the veteran having interest in Las Vegas. It's an obvious connection to make with Carroll, but fans must remember that Wilson's time in Seattle ended a tad ugly. Not too many years after, Carroll will be going elsewhere and Wilson could be looking for a third home in three years.

Wilson has been vocal about loving Pittsburgh and wanting to return. The Steelers have a decision to make, and if Wilson is the preferred choice, a little bit of worry regarding Wilson drifting towards Las Vegas as free agency nears could lead to a lucrative offer being put on the table. Agents like to play chess, not checkers, and more talk about Wilson and the Raiders could absolutely be coming out in the next few weeks.

Steelers' Quarterback Decision Will Depend On Future Plans

If Pittsburgh is set on drafting a quarterback in the next year or two, Wilson may be a better option to use as a bridge quarterback compared to a younger Fields. A contract extension that doesn't have too much money involved in the last year could be what is offered. However, if the organization sees Fields as a long-term solution, it's very possible that Wilson walks and Fields gets a chance to prove himself on a two or three-year deal.

What do you want to see the Steelers do at quarterback in the 2025 offseason? Let us know in the comments below!

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