The Pittsburgh Steelers have a decision to make at quarterback this offseason. Speaking at the 2025 Pro Bowl, quarterback Russell Wilson downplayed rumors regarding his impending free agency and insisted he was "focused on the Steelers."
QB Russell Wilson sidesteps Raiders rumors at Pro Bowl and says he's 'focused on the Steelers' https://t.co/QvWW4o42Iz
— The Associated Press (@AP) February 2, 2025
Wilson is set to hit unrestricted free agency following a one-year deal with the Steelers that saw many ups and downs. The nine-time Pro Bowler missed six games to open the season due to a calf strain, then won six of his first seven starts. However, five straight losses to end the season, including a Wildcard round drubbing at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens, has cast doubt over Wilson's long-term viability as a starter.
Wilson has been linked to the Las Vegas Raiders of late, largely due to the team's acquisition of head coach Pete Carroll. Carroll was calling the shots when the Seattle Seahawks drafted Wilson in 2012, and the duo enjoyed a glorious era in Seahawks history that included a pair of Super Bowl berths and the team's first and only championship following the 2013 season.
Given the success and stability the Steelers have enjoyed compared to the Raiders in recent times, Wilson would be wise to lean towards staying in Pittsburgh. However, it may not be up to him. The Steelers haven't won a playoff game since the 2016 postseason, and they may decide they need to find a quarterback with a higher ceiling in order to break through that plateau.
Ultimately, Wilson isn't the asset he once was. He'll turn 37 years old during the 2025 season and is, at best, a stopgap for whichever team he chooses. His 17-24 record over the past three years speaks to how much his efficacy has waned. Over that span, he's averaged a subpar 5.88 net yards per passing attempt. Whatever team signs him will likely draft a supposed successor as soon as possible.
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