The Steelers’ push for the AFC North title will continue with today’s matchup against the Chiefs. A large part of Pittsburgh’s success this season has been improved play under center, and as a result Russell Wilson could turn out to be much more than a one-year rental. 
Since the former Super Bowl winner took over from Justin Fields as the Steelers’ starter, Wilson has provided stability at the quarterback spot, something which had been lacking since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Given the nature of his Broncos release, Wilson has been a cost-effective starter this year, and signs have pointed since November to a new pact being worked out. For now, the 36-year-old is on track for free agency, and he would be one of the more intriguing names on the market if no deal was to take place.
A mutual interest exists in continuing this relationship, however, with Wilson recently issuing a public desire to remain in Pittsburgh beyond 2024. It would thus come as no surprise if a multi-year pact were to be worked out this offseason (even with Fields potentially still in the picture). In that event, Wilson would be in line for a notable raise compared to the veteran minimum he is playing for – in terms of Pittsburgh’s financial obligation – this year. With age as a complicating factor, however, the length of any potential contract could be a sticking point in addition to compensation.
On that note, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports there is a “very good chance” the Steelers work out a new pact with Wilson similar to other recent veteran QB deals (video link). Specifically, he names Baker Mayfield‘s Buccaneers pact as a comparable situation. Mayfield impressed in 2023, his debut Tampa Bay season. That landed him a three-year, $100MM contract – a major raise relative to his prior deal, but an AAV nowhere near the top of the position’s market.
Wilson securing a similar deal this winter would provide him with the opportunity to continue his Steelers tenure, while the structure of such a pact could give the team flexibility from a cap perspective. Keeping the nine-time Pro Bowler in the fold could prove to be beneficial on a medium-term commitment in particular, but Pittsburgh also has to sort out Fields’ future since he is a pending free agent. The same is true of left tackle Dan Moore Jr., cornerback Donte Jackson as well as both members of the Najee Harris–Jaylen Warren running back tandem.
Wideout George Pickens will also be eligible for an extension once this season ends, and keeping him in place long term will require a notable commitment. Plenty of key decisions will need to be made with respect to keeping the Steelers’ core in place on offense in particular, and Wilson’s situation will be central to that effort. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the campaign plays out, and whether or not his chances of working out a new Steelers accord will be affected down the stretch.
There is so much wrong with this team that I wonder if it makes a difference. Can’t rely on the draft as their draft position is too low to take an elite QB (unless they’d trade up).
These last three games illustrate that this is not a serious contender. Have needs on both lines, receiver and could use a quality DB
Unless they decide to cut ties with a number of contracts, where does the money come from? But somehow, they want you to believe they’re close to being in the same conversation as KC and Buffalo
Wait wait wait… because they’re not as good as Buffalo and KC they should start over again from scratch? There’s a reason 28 teams are jealous of those two teams. You do the best you can to compete, you can’t just go and “find” one of those guys. A great coach, solid qb play, a little bit of luck… you never know. But they are not a team that should be entering the tankathon.
GoBills, not sure how you gleaned that I was looking for the Steelers to tank. Or that as a fan, I’m somehow entitled to championship runs on a more consistent basis
On the contrary, my comment is more aimed at the hype around this team. I’m not blaming Tomlin, or Kahn, or any individual players. It’s a team effort to be somewhat mediocre, after all
The point was—and is—they have a lot of areas to upgrade which will mean a great deal of money. How exactly does that get done?
The only way to do it is the way they’re doing it. Catch lightning in a bottle like the Vikings found in Darnold or the Lions with Goff. Like they’ve tried with Wilson and fields. Maybe you see if you can’t pry away JJ McCarthy if the vikes invest in Sam. Most of these great qb’s, outside of burrow, weren’t top picks. Josh was 7, Mahomes 13, Lamar 20 something… or they were reclamation projects. You just have to stick with it. But you don’t have to have the top pick to land “the guy.”
The key to all of these teams is the window of opportunity while the guy is cheap. Then, yeah, he’s going to cost a ton and tough choices have to be made. That’s why you better draft well, which the Steelers do. Just stay the course.
They’re a qb away. They have flaws and need upgrades but that’s true of every single other team as well. The Bills stink outside of Josh, a strong OL, and a few skill players. Same with everyone else. Flaws everywhere. The great qb covers up most of those flaws.
QB isn’t the problem. Wilson is under fire almost every time he drops back. Najee rarely gets through a hole, owing to his less explosive approach in which Warren flourishes
They have one real wideout. Their D-line is problematic and their secondary can be called “toast”
But they have a kicker
No, they need more than just a QB
100% agreed
I’ll take your word for it. They’re not my team.
They’ve needed a real head coach for years
And look, I understand Matt Canada was in over his head but Arthur Smith isn’t exactly on the cutting edge. Unimaginative to say the least. And someday, someone can tell me why Cordarelle Patterson is getting carries at all the wrong times
This team has no business beating KC, Phi, or Baltimore 2x. They aren’t elite. Tomlin for sure could get more modern football schemes, but he’s far from the reason they’re struggling. They just aren’t an elite team. It’s that simple. I’m tired of the fans calling for Tomlin to go because he took an offense who’s best player was a 38 year old Ben Roethlisberger to the playoffs and lost @ the Chiefs first round or because he lost to the Bills in Buffalo with Mason Rudolph and KP as the qb. There are way more talented teams out there that don’t perform as well as a Mike Tomlin team does. LAC, Cardinals, cowboys, Jets, Browns, Bengals all have elite players at multiple positions (maybe not cardinals) but underperform badly year after year. It’s partially because they don’t have a coach. The talent of the Steelers since the killer b era has been a 6 win team under other coaches. Tomlin isn’t the problem. We’re not gonna be SB contenders every 5 years like the fickle Steelers fan base expects. So sick of it. Merry Christmas for Pete’s sake. Go Steelers
I’ve yet to see what Russ has done that makes him worth 100mil. Granted he’s been better than what they’ve had but that’s not saying much. His decision making these last 2 games has been terrible
They’ve shown they can play their style and win with him… I’d guarantee him one more season. They should try and keep Fields as well. Continuity and familiarity and such; Keep an eye on the JJ McCarthy situation if he becomes available.
Steelers are getting blown out again by another playoff team. Might want to hold off investing in Wilson.
The Steelers are always winning more games than their talent level should let you expect.
But they are always frauds. I never really buy in.
They win more than their talent level but they are frauds?
I never buy in either but winning more than your talent level suggests isn’t a fraud.
A fraud is having the talent level like the bills and never doing a thing with it. Much like the Steelers did when they had Ben, Bell and Brown.
Ohhhh.
Ive hit a nerve.
You are right – the Steelers are awesome. I guess getting to 500 is celebrated.
Hey – how they doing right now?
Only 1 team can win a super bowl every year. I guess you think everyone else is fraud? Ok. Gotcha.
I guess we will see the Steelers win a single playoff game sometime right? Or maybe no?
The Steelers are not as good as their record. Its a widely held belief.
You didn’t hit a nerve but it’s extremely ironic to see a bills fan call another team a fraud.
I look forward to your superpower team winning a playoff game soon TJECK.
I look forward to the bills winning something meaningful.
I don’t for one second expect this team to win anything. I didn’t expect them to make the playoffs this year. I don’t build up fake expectations or buy into national media hype.
Just a bad choice of words when describing another team compared to your own teams track record
Right. Only one team can win a SB. Everyone else is a fraud.
I understand your logic TJECK.
Its too bad your superteam couldn’t win today. It probably means they are saving themselves for a wildcard game.” For sure.
Dude are you just unable to comprehend?
You say a team is content having a winning record but I guess in your mind a success is winning a playoff game but not winning the big prize. That’s a loser mentality.
Bills end up watching the superbowl from the same place the Steelers do every year.
I don’t prefer to call any team a fraud. But if you are comparing the 2 teams the Bills have been far superior in talent and continue to fall short. The Steelers continue to squeak into the playoffs where they don’t belong and get blown out. It’s a stupid cycle for both teams.
I was a Bills fan during the drought. I understand loser mentality.
Like celebrating 500 seasons.
31 frauds every year right? (This is actually your point remember)
At least we can all agree Pittsburgh will go home early. You know – cause frauds.
I guess I don’t care to watch uninspired football ekeing out unimpressive wins and be content. Never really feeling in control of most games.
But thats just me. Im not a Steeler fan.
You do you.
Ill continue to look objectively at the NFL and call it out like I see it.
And final thought. I truly hope that the Bills finally pull one out. I sat and watched the 4 straight trips. If there is a base of fans that deserves a superbowl it’s the bills mafia. Sincerely wish you guys the best of luck. Really hope this is your year.
Appreciate that sir.
We’re just spoiled because of Josh. They are definitely not frauds, they just don’t have a guy anymore. They have a ready built team just waiting for strong qb play to get them over the hump. Great team culture, great front office, great coaching. They just don’t have Josh.
I would trade our defense for theirs every single day of the week.
Im not sweating our defense at all.
It has been turnover dependent – and that isn’t something you can count for on.
But once they get a lead, I feel ok.
I don’t know. I’m very nervous about it. Benford, Rousseau and Oliver are strong but the safeties and lb’s have me VERY worried.
I’m not a Bills fan or a Steelers fan but what has Josh really done? No Super Bowl. 1 Championship game where the Bills were drilled. He’s yet to beat Burrow. Honestly I consider the Bills and Steelers fairly equal. Both have been disappointments in the playoffs
People have made a big deal about Tomlins w/l record but they ignore the fact that he’s under .500 in the playoffs
He’s a good coach against lesser teams or in meaningless games but in the playoffs against good teams he just doesn’t cut it
Steeler fans should wake up
Exactly.
If he can’t single handedly get mediocre teams to beat very good teams, he’s clearly a bum.
There are Cheatriots fanboys that drool over Belichick while ignoring the fact he’s a career loser without Brady.
Mostly I’m just afraid of the ravens and keeping contain on Lamar while praying Henry doesn’t steamroll us. Every team has the same fear, I’m sure. We’re just not stout up front. Daquan has been bad this year and the lb and safety injuries… they weren’t great when healthy, but they’re really struggling now.
After the game today, no way I bring back Russ. He has played to a 2-4 record in last 6 games playing back to his old self. Steelers will have money to spend next off season, but cannot pay Russ 30+ million to be their qb the next 3-4 yrs at 37! Give the reins to Fields. He was good at 4-2 the first 6 games of the season. He will be 26, cheaper & cost effective for the roster moving forward. We are seeing why Seattle & Denver let Russ go.
I am really not for or against Russ signing an extension, but the Steelers O-Line has looked horrible the last few games. Russ barely drops back and then has to scramble and evade, and he’s not real good at either.
Put Russ behind a decent line, get the same results, and I agree with you. In this case, no way
The guy is under pressure on 80% of his pass plays. He’s got one guy capable on getting open consistently and two guys who occasionally run good routes. He has one of the most unimaginative play callers in the league who seems to believe running the same plays into brick walls makes sense
Are we watching the same player?
I like fields but he can’t throw downfield like Russ
I like Russ but he can rarely throw downfield because he’s under fire