The Steelers opted for a complete overhaul of the quarterback position this offseason, signing Russell Wilson and trading for Justin Fields. Both passers are pending free agents, and it remains to be seen if each member of the pair will be retained for 2025. 
In Wilson’s case, though, his time in the lineup has certainly strengthened his case for a new Pittsburgh deal. The former Seahawks Super Bowl winner endured an underwhelming two-year tenure with the Broncos, leading to his release this offseason (during which Denver took on a dead money charge of $85MM). The Steelers added him on a veteran minimum pact, positioning him to operate as a low-cost Kenny Pickett replacement.
Fields started the Steelers’ first six games while Wilson recovered from a calf injury. Once the latter was healthy, head coach Mike Tomlin made the unilateral decision to insert him into the starting lineup. Pittsburgh went 4-2 with Fields at the helm, but Wilson was seen as having a higher ceiling in the passing game in particular. That has proven to be true to date, as highlighted most recently by his 414-yard outing against the Bengals in Week 13.
Overall, Wilson has led the Steelers to a 5-1 record as a starter, posting a 10:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio along the way. His 104.3 passer rating is his highest since 2020, and maintaining his current level of play would help his value on a new Pittsburgh deal this offseason or one sending him to a new team. Retaining Wilson is a priority for Pittsburgh, but an agreement on that front will only be reached after the campaign.
In the event the 36-year-old does get the opportunity to test the market, he could face a wide range of offers. Executives who communicated with CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones were split when polled about what a Wilson offer would look like this offseason. Projections in terms of annual average value ranged from roughly $10MM on the low end to $35MM on the high end. How he and the Steelers perform over the coming weeks will obviously be key in determining Wilson’s earning potential.
The top of the QB market has seen considerable growth in recent years, and Dak Prescott‘s latest Cowboys deal made him the first $60MM-per-year player in NFL history. Eight other passers are attached to a deal averaging at least $51MM per season, while six sit between $40MM and $46.1MM. Given his age, Wilson should be expected to check in at a tier below those markers, but the likes of Geno Smith (Seahawks) and Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers) have parlayed strong seasons into healthy veteran pacts in the middle class of established starters.
Mayfield played on a one-year, $4MM pact with Tampa Bay in 2023 before landing a three-year, $100MM contract this offseason. Wilson is not in an identical situation given his age and his Broncos compensation, but he too could turn an impressive showing on a new team into a medium-term commitment and a raise. With Wilson and Fields combining to account for only $4.44MM on Pittsburgh’s cap sheet this year, a notable spike in that figure should be in store if continuity is sought under center.
Sam Darnold took a one-year Vikings pact as a potential springboard to a lucrative deal elsewhere, and his success in Minnesota has him on track to be the top quarterback in the 2025 free agent market. Wilson could join him as an older option for teams not in position to add a first-round passer in the draft or those seeking a bridge starter to partner with a developmental QB. Fields could also represent an intriguing free agent candidate in the event he were to depart.
The Steelers have not managed to find a long-term Ben Roethlisberger replacement since his retirement, and Wilson will likely not serve in that capacity far beyond 2025 even if he is retained given where he is in his career. Still, he could be an intriguing free agent in the event the Steelers were to allow him to test the market.
I would hope the Steelers sign Russ for a couple years and I’d hope that conversely, Russ would see what a good situation he’s landed in here. Nice to finally have a competent QB
I would hope the Steelers will try to sign Russ for a couple years and conversely, would think Russ understands that he’s landed in a great situation and will want to stay. Great to finally have a competent QB
Wilson is clearly superior to Fields. Should stay in PITTS. They’ll have a season or two to draft their QB of the future and roll the dice.
Wilson has had to adjust to not getting sacked 40+ times a season but he seems to handling that OK 🙂
He’s averaging three sacks a game, so if he hadn’t missed so many games, he would be on a 40+ sack pace.
After seeing him bomb two years straight in Denver after Seattle let him walk, I’d be hesitant to sign a 37-year-old quarterback to an extended deal—maybe two years, tops.
Look at Cousins at the same age, and there are plenty more quarterbacks in their mid-30s who drop considerably.
I have to give Russ haters credit for staying with it even as he puts up big numbers here. Yeah, I think he holds onto the ball a little too long on occasion. But the idea that he “bombed” in Denver isn’t telling the true story where last season was concerned. Here, a coach wanted to slash his pay and when he declined, was benched.
Cousins is coming off an injury. The same with Rodgers. Those types of injuries for guys in their late 30’s are often career ending. Wilson isn’t in the same conversation.
I’m not a hater; I’m a realist. Russ missed the first 4-6 games this year due to injury. As Oooof points out above, he still holds onto the ball too long and takes too many sacks. Then seeing Bo do great in Sean’s offense vs what Russ did is a damning statement as well.
When 2 out of 3 bordering HoF HCs show you the door, it’s telling. Seattle had no problem trading him, Hackett was a disaster, and then Sean benched him. He’s having a fine season this year with Mike, but Mike’s teams always win.
Not calling you a Russ hater per se, but some of your factoids only tell a portion of the story. Seattle ‘dumped’ him in a period of rebuild. He wasn’t the only one.
This incarnation of the Broncos looks a great deal like the one that ran off five straight wins last season.
Yeah, I get the idea that he holds onto the ball at times but I tend to turn a deaf ear towards those who were laughing about the signing when it transpired. Again, not you per se. I just have to wonder how the leather tastes when you see a guy come in and immediately inject life into an offense and team, in general
It makes the idea of re-signing him a no-brainer, really. Why take two steps back or start over completely by drafting a QB?
Truthfully, the idea of extending Pickens is more questionable than opting for a couple more years with Russ
Hopefully Pickens does not become one of those steeler divas and they have to get rid of him. That 2nd personal foul against the bengals was ridiculous I dont know how he thought that was okay. I dont think he will though
Not saying Russ is still a top QB but Russ was benched while he was playing well last season. 66.4% completion rate. 26 tds to 8 interceptions. This year he’s airing the ball out in Pittsburgh and it’s opening up the run game. The guys around him look much better. Give the guy a little credit
He never “Bombed” in Denver, in fact his last year with the team was excellent, until he got benched becuase the Broncos didnt want to pay him. He’s had contract struggles before, but if the steelers do sign him, I would consider it a good day. Plus he is 36, will be 37 midway through next season. If the steelers sign both him and fields, russ will serve as a perfect mentor for a young fields that still has very much potential. as with drafting a QB, the steelers are always drating later in the round, plus this upcoming draft is especially weak when it comes to QB’s. I say resign him for 2-3 years, 3 meaning it would be a “cheap” deal. I would like 3 years. I am full on the russ train. Hes been cookin and the steelers are finally now a legit team for the first time since Big ben before his surgery.
I thought both he and Fields were great for Pit. A soon-to-be HoF’er in Russ for 1m+, and Fields had plenty of starts for pennies on the dollar. There’s a reason Pitt always has winning seasons: it’s a well-run organization.
They are one of a few organizations (GB, SF, Philly; the constant winners, less this year for SF) that’ll admit to a bad draft pick, & dumped Picket. Most keep believing that ‘The first-rounder will turn the corner this season!’
Sign Russ to a three year deal and keep fields. Steelers got something special man Russ has been cookin
Agreed 100%
Arty is right. I thought both were great pick ups but that’s easy to say when we’ve endured Pickett, Trubisky and others over the past few years
The trick comes in the off season
Then what?
Like Sentinel, I’d like them to keep both
But is that doable?
Very doable. Fields has low market value as a rookie contract soon-to-be free agent QB
Broncos are still paying Russ’s bank account and Steelers have a better record than Denver.