The Pittsburgh Steelers have still not figured out who their starting quarterback is going to be for the 2025 season, but it seems fair to say that it won't be Russell Wilson. The organization is clearly leaning in the direction of Justin Fields, and the two sides are trying to get a deal done before free agency opens up on March 12th. Fields has a higher chance of returning to Pittsburgh to be the starter, while Wilson may be struggling to find his next home in the NFL. The veteran doesn't have much time left in his career, and it might be quite some time before he signs.
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Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson ahead of a preseason game against the Detroit Lions in 2024.
At one point in the 2024 season, it seemed like a no-brainer that Wilson would be back with Pittsburgh on a pretty decent deal. Unfortunately, Wilson tarnished his future in the NFL as Pittsburgh lost its final five games of the season, which included an embarrassing loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs. Pittsburgh would likely not be able to compete with Wilson running the show again on offense, and it seems like options for 2025 are slim-to-none for the Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
#Raiders would be an option for Aaron Rodgers IF he could fit into offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s system. A team official told me last week the staff hasn’t made that determination yet. The source also said a reunion between Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll is unlikely.
— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) March 6, 2025
Over the last couple of weeks, it has become clear that Wilson is not the top choice to be back in Pittsburgh. The only other quarterback-needy team across the league that truly made sense for Wilson was the Las Vegas Raiders since his former Head Coach, Pete Carroll, took the coaching job there. According to the reports from Rob Maaddi, the team prefers a veteran like Aaron Rodgers over Wilson.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Russell Wilson drops back to pass during a Sunday Night Football Game against the New York Jets.
Wilson and Rodgers both proved they can still play during the 2024 season, but neither player is what they used to be. The two veterans can barely move in the backfield, and it is hard for them to be effective without a perfect pocket. With Las Vegas likely being off the board for Wilson, it is hard to imagine where he might end up.
There are some other quarterback-needy teams in the league. The New York Giants were interested in Wilson before he signed with the Steelers in 2024, but they are in prime position to select a quarterback at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft. It is hard to imagine Wilson would sign anywhere to be a mentor to a rookie, or even a backup.
There are some other options for Wilson. The Tennessee Titans want to bring in a new face to provide some competition for Will Levis, the Indianapolis Colts may want to do the same. Wilson's future is going to depend on where guys like Rodgers and Sam Darnold end up, and if Fields and the Steelers agree on a new deal, the veteran quarterback may be without a job for a while.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Russell Wilson runs against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13 of the 2024 season.
Steelers' Russell Wilson Should Take Notes From Joe Flacco
Las Vegas does not want Wilson, and he probably won't sign anywhere he is not guaranteed the starting job. Joe Flacco was in a similar situation a couple years ago, and he signed with the Cleveland Browns halfway through the 2023 season. He had success coming in and starting, and this might be where Wilson is at. His experience and leadership could be valuable to a team, but he is going to have to wait around for an opportunity. Teams throughout the league run into quarterback issues in the middle of the season, and Wilson might have to wait until those problems arise.
If no opportunities come knocking, it might be time for Wilson to consider hanging up his cleats.
What do you think is next for Wilson? Let us know in the comments below!
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