Report: Steelers Expected to Re-Sign Russell Wilson
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to re-sign quarterback Russell Wilson this offseason, according to NFL insider Dianna Russini. Wilson, who signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in March, is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
“The free-agent QB market is lacking, with Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson among the top names — though Wilson is expected to stay with the Steelers and the Vikings could decide to keep Darnold if he’s willing to be a backup,” Russini wrote.
Wilson, who turns 36 on Nov. 29, is 4-1 since entering the starting lineup in Week 7. He has completed 63.1% of his passes for 1,212 yards with seven touchdowns, two interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 98.6. The Steelers offense was clicking on all cylinders in Wilson’s first three game, but they have cooled down in the last two. Wilson has been getting sacked at a high rate and the offense has been abysmal in the red zone.
In a recent interview with Hannah Storm of ESPN, Wilson wasn’t shy about wanting to play much longer than a season or two.
“I definitely want to play another five to seven more years, you know, I think that’s always been my goal,” Wilson said when asked about his time left now that his children are growing up. “I’ve been very clear about that since the beginning. I think that’s always been my mindset is, you know, the longevity of the game.”
ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller released his way-too-early 2025 NFL Mock Draft on Thursday, and he had an eye-popping pick for the Steelers. Miller had the Steelers selecting Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe at 28th overall. Given Wilson’s age, a contingency plan with Milroe might not be a bad idea. Milroe learning from Wilson for 2-3 years before becoming the starter might be a wise course of action.
“The Steelers’ future at quarterback is a big question heading into the offseason, as both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are set to be free agents. Either could return, but the Steelers might be searching for more of a long-term option,” Miller wrote. “Milroe has a combination of Wilson’s arm strength and pocket mobility and Fields’ rushing ability. He’s still a bit raw as a prospect, but he has 15 touchdown passes and rushed for 17 more scores this season. Milroe just needs to improve his touch as a passer, but scouts I’ve talked to said he has the most upside of any draft-eligible quarterback in the class. And should the Steelers sign Wilson, Milroe could sit, learn and develop further.”
Steelers’ scouts were at the Alabama-LSU game on Nov. 9. In addition to Milroe, the game also featured top 2025 NFL Draft quarterback prospect Garrett Nussmeier of LSU. The Steelers had previously scouted Alabama against Wisconsin in Week 3. Getting a good look at Nussmeier means the Steelers have now scouted in-person all of the top seven quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class, per the NFL Mock Draft Database big board.
How the Steelers do in their final six regular season games will provide a better indication of the team’s offseason plans. But, as of now, all signs point to Wilson being the starter again in 2025.
Read This Next
