Wilson, set to become a free agent, has expressed interest in staying with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his future remains uncertain as team owner Art Rooney II has indicated a preference to retain either Wilson or Justin Fields—but not both.
Meanwhile, the Raiders are searching for a quarterback upgrade, with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell currently on the roster and the No. 6 pick in the draft providing an opportunity to add a top prospect like Shedeur Sanders.
Wilson could be a short-term solution or a bridge to a rookie, making him a compelling option for Carroll’s new regime.
Pending free agent QB Russell Wilson reuniting with #Raiders HC Pete Carroll in Las Vegas is a "real" possibility, per @JamesPalmerTV
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 29, 2025
The #Steelers only want to bring one QB back. pic.twitter.com/W23vlG7EG8
Carroll was asked about Wilson on the What the Football with Suzy Shuster & Amy Trask podcast but avoided a direct answer. “It’s so early, and we’re just in the midst of trying to find the puzzle pieces,” he said. “Free agency hasn’t come yet. That’s the first competitive opportunity that will occur. Then, the draft is coming. I can’t tell you right now.”
While he didn’t specifically address Wilson, he made it clear that the Raiders will be aggressive in their search. “I promise you, if you’re a real competitor, you’re not letting options get away from you,” he added.
Former Seahawks assistants told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that Wilson and Carroll "can coexist" despite their history and suggested that Wilson landing in Las Vegas is a realistic possibility.
Russell Wilson reuniting with Pete Carroll in Las Vegas is a real possibility, per @JamesPalmerTV. pic.twitter.com/PMGWluhsxT
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) January 29, 2025
Wilson and Carroll spent a decade together in Seattle, winning a Super Bowl and reaching another before tensions led to Wilson’s trade to Denver in 2022.
Their relationship reportedly improved over the past year, and with the Raiders in need of a veteran quarterback, the idea of a reunion no longer seems far-fetched.
The question now is whether Wilson is willing to compete for a starting role or prefers a situation with more certainty.
Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
