Russell Wilson’s Relationship with Steelers is Very Fractured: ‘Too Deep to Overcome’
Bob Labriola of Steelers.com revealed in his Tuesday morning chat the reason why the Pittsburgh Steelers have not re-signed quarterback Russell Wilson. It simply has to do with the fact that Wilson burned too many bridges within the organization and a reunion is unsalvageable.
“The fact that hasn’t happened leads me to believe there is a fracture somewhere in the relationship between the Steelers and Russell Wilson too deep to overcome,” Labriola wrote.
Wilson played 11 games last season, completing 214 of 316 passes (63.7%) for 2,482, 16 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 95.6 passer rating.
Wilson struggled immensely during the Steelers’ late-season collapse, however. The Steelers failed to score more than 17 points during the five-game losing streak to end the season, a streak that hasn’t occurred since Chuck Noll’s first season in 1969.
There were also reports that Wilson and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith butted heads over changing plays at the line of scrimmage. The Smith factor could be the biggest reason why Wilson is not back with the Steelers.
Wilson reportedly is asking for $20 million to $30 million per year. That’s certainly a steep price for a 36-year-old quarterback that’s on the decline.
Wilson has visited with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, but he left without a deal. While that could be because those two teams are waiting on the Aaron Rodgers domino to fall first, they don’t have a ton of funds, either.
The Browns, who look like the favorites to land Wilson, have a little over $20 million in cap space and the Giants have a little over $17 million, per Over The Cap.
Former Steelers head coach and Hall of Famer Bill Cowher weighed in on the Steelers mysterious quarterback situation during an interview on the Dan Patrick Show last week. Earlier this offseason, Cowher was on board with the Steelers signing Rodgers, but he’s now pivot to the team bringing back Wilson.
“I personally think that Russell Wilson is your best choice,” Cowher said. “It’s going to be a better offensive line room with (Troy) Fautanu coming back and moving Broderick (Jones) to left tackle. I think you’re looking at the best receiver corps you’re gonna have in a long time — if they can keep George Pickens. That’ll be the next conversation that you will have to have. Roman Wilson was a guy they were counting on last year. Calvin Austin III stepped up. I think the offense as a whole, with Arthur Smith in his second year, in theory, should
Despite Cowher’s wishes, unless something drastic happens, it appears Wilson will be one-and-done with the Steelers.