Steelers QB Russell Wilson Offers Update on Possible Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers crashed and burned in the final month of their ill-fated season. Once again, the offense wasn’t enough to complement a strong defense and paled compared to the AFC frontrunners with titans under center. But picking 21st overall makes it hard to find a franchise quarterback, and no golden goose is waiting for them on the market. Between Justin Fields’ development and Russell Wilson’s pedigree, Pittsburgh has a choice to make at quarterback. On Wednesday, Wilson spoke out on free agency rumors and the possibility of retirement during “The Pat McAfee Show.” “Going into Pittsburgh was a special place for me,” Wilson said. “I love it, and hopefully I can play there a lot longer. It’s a special place because of the guys in the locker room and the traditions and the people and the winning, plus you got Mike Tomlin who’s arguably the best coach of all time, one of the top ones. I got so much more in me, man.” Wilson won six of his first seven starts with the Steelers, and his record wasn’t a mirage. He was playing his best football since leaving the Seattle Seahawks, elevated the offense with a more effective downfield passing game, and was operating with suboptimal receivers and an underwhelming ground game. However, losing four regular seasons before a 28-14 rout by the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round justifiably soured the taste in everybody’s mouth. Sure, Wilson can be competent. But can he compete while Pittsburgh’s defensive stars age out of their prime? The Steelers, seemingly, think it’s possible, attempting to re-sign Wilson ahead of free agency in March. “I think first of all, yes, we have been starting to talk a little bit, obviously, and we’ve had our meetings and everything else, and kind of just getting into it,” he said. Pittsburgh will presumably bank on Wilson’s production improving with another offseason to add to his supporting cast. Additional investments at receiver, a healthy offensive line, and more time with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith are all reasons to be optimistic. Wilson finished his 2024 season completing 63.7 percent of his passes for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions. His yards per attempt, quarterback rating, and sack percentage were all at his best since leaving Seattle. Related: Russell Wilson at Crossroads After Steelers Playoff Loss In terms of winning a Super Bowl, it’s easy to be pessimistic about a volatile passer in his age-37 season. If he’s a bridge to the next franchise quarterback, though, he’s a safe bet to stay above water. “I’m excited, obviously, my goal is to be with the Pittsburgh Steelers a long time and hopefully finish my career there.”