Though it’s unknown how much he anticipates earning in free agency and how much the Pittsburgh Steelers are prepared to pay him, Russell Wilson has made it obvious that quarterback wants to re-sign with the team in 2025. Although it hasn’t been verified, there have also been rumors that the team could choose to re-sign Justin Fields over Wilson.
In an interview with the Pat McAfee Show on January 22, Wilson disclosed that he has already started talking to the Steelers about a possible contract. Throughout the conversation, he also expressed his admiration for head coach Mike Tomlin and reiterated how much he would want to play his last season in Pittsburgh.
In light of all of that, on January 24, with the formal hiring of former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll by the Las Vegas Raiders, a new possible bidder for Wilson surfaced.
According to NFL analyst Jeff Howe (The Athletic) on X, “Russell Wilson is one name I’ve heard to watch at quarterback with Pete Carroll taking over the Raiders.” “According to a source, they have patched things up, and Wilson might serve as a temporary solution while the Raiders come up with a long-term solution.”
In the event that Wilson and the Steelers cannot agree on a new contract, the relationship clearly makes a lot of sense. Wilson, after all, established himself with Carroll in Seattle, winning one Super Bowl and coming very close to winning another.
Wilson’s sudden departure from the Seahawks organization was the only possible obstacle, but Howe addressed that in his article, stating that the two had now “mended fences.”
In retrospect, Seahawks general manager John Schneider treated Carroll similarly to Wilson, firing the famous coach following the 2023 campaign. Maybe the two may have a same experience of being fired from Seattle.
On the Pat McAfee Show, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson compliments new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll.
On January 22, Wilson shared his opinions on Carroll in his McAfee appearance. And he had nothing but positive things to say, at least in public.
Pete is a fantastic football coach, in my opinion. Wilson told McAfee, “I think he’s an amazing individual.” “I’ve had the good fortune to play for two very unique coaches in terms of [who they are as] men and how they approach the game and think.”
The seasoned signal-caller continued, calling both head coaches “culture builders,” adding, “Obviously, Coach Pete Carroll and obviously Coach Mike Tomlin are really unique individuals in how they lead and motivate.”
Wilson continued by saying, “I think Pete will do a great job wherever he goes.” “If given the chance, I’m confident he’ll do admirably. We have consistently kept in contact.
The quarterback also mentioned that after Seattle hired a new head coach, he and a number of his former Seahawks colleagues traveled out to see Carroll. They talked about their shared “memories” of winning Super Bowls. Wilson’s smile during the conversation undoubtedly suggested that a reunion is still possible.
According to a reporter, the Steelers need to sign Russell Wilson or Justin Fields before free agency.
Nobody seemed to know exactly how the Steelers will feel about the Wilson-Fields issue in 2025 or the future. In any case, the team should re-sign one of them before to free agency, according to veteran beat reporter Mark Kaboly.
On January 23, Kaboly gave advice: “The Steelers cannot wait until free agency to determine who they will start at quarterback in 2025.” “That choice needs to be made, ideally right now. They cannot possibly take the danger of letting Fields or Wilson learn their market worth outside of the organization before making a move on one of them, regardless of whether it is Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or an outside free agency, which is extremely doubtful.
The beat reporter said, “If they don’t do that, Kyle Allen will be in pole position to lead the offense before you know it.”
“Choosing the right one is a bigger question than getting one under contract as soon as possible,” he continued. You wouldn’t be incorrect if you presented a strong case for Wilson and Fields to be the starting quarterback. The Steelers are aware that Wilson is a leader at the conclusion of his career who need additional quality around him. He can make this offense better than it was halfway through the previous season if the Steelers give him more playmakers.
However, the Steelers have a lottery ticket in Fields since they are stuck in mediocrity at the position and probably won’t improve much enough to have a chance at a difference-maker in the draft. Where else can you get a 26-year-old, 44-start career player who was selected in the top 11 of the draft at such a low cost? The potential rewards make the risk worthwhile.
Like most others, Kaboly thinks the Steelers will only be able to retain one of the two quarterbacks in 2025. It’s time to make a decision.
