Steelers May Suddenly See Russell Wilson In AFC North After Veteran's Benching In New York

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 season had an interesting quarterback situation with Justin Fields starting the first six contests, only to be moved to the bench in favor of Russell Wilson once the veteran recovered from a calf injury. All was going smoothly when the team had a record of 10-3, but then it quickly went downhill with five straight losses, including one in the playoffs. That stretch was a very pivotal time for the franchise, as the decision-makers were certain that neither of the signal-callers were going to be involved in the 2025 plans for the offense. 

The Steelers waited patiently as Aaron Rodgers took his time making a decision, but it eventually ended in the two sides agreeing to a one-year partnership. Pittsburgh is now sitting at 2-1 and both Wilson and Fields have had their respective troubles. Fields suffered a concussion in Week 2 and missed a Week 3 matchup for the New York Jets, while Wilson has officially been benched by the New York Giants ahead of Week 4.

Jaxson Dart will officially take over for the Giants, and Wilson is unlikely to take it very well. The veteran is nearing the end of his career, and New York isn't expected to compete for a Super Bowl in 2025. Wilson has also been known to have a little bit of an ego, which could lead to him requesting his release, or to be traded. Either way, there will be tension, and a move could be made by the Giants.

After Sunday's Week 3 disaster for the Cincinnati Bengals and backup quarterback, Jake Browning, it's possible that the organization could be interested in acquiring a veteran who has the ability to find top playmakers, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Joe Burrow's replacement completed 19 of 27 passes against the Minnesota Vikings while throwing one touchdown and two interceptions. Cincinnati is still 2-1, so the front office may not wait long to acquire someone else.

Wilson wouldn't come at much a premium because of his age and current contract, but he could still be successful in the right system. The Giants also have Jameis Winston, and he could serve as a formidable backup to the rookie in Dart. It doesn't make much sense for New York to hold onto Wilson if he is unhappy and doesn't want to stay around any longer.

It will be interesting to see how the relationship between Wilson and the Giants progresses, or regresses, in the coming days and weeks. It is clear that the Steelers made the right move to let him leave in free agency, despite his impressive Week 2 performance against the Dallas Cowboys. Pittsburgh has a much better chance of making noise later in the 2025 season with Rodgers under center in the Steel City.

Steelers Could Have To Face Russell Wilson Twice In 2025

If Cincinnati does decide that it makes sense to pursue a veteran option such as Wilson, Pittsburgh would have to play against him twice if the move is made in early-October. That would certainly add another storyline to those two AFC North contests. No one should be surprised if, over the course of the next days and/or weeks, Wilson's camp requests to be traded or released by the Giants.

Do you think that the Steelers may have to play against Wilson twice in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!

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