We’ve touched a bit recently on the Steelers’ intention to re-sign veteran quarterback Russell Wilson and even touched a bit on the possibilities for his free agent stock, but recent reports have gone even further in reassuring that the intent is for Wilson to continue starting into the 2025 NFL season, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
This is a small specification, as clearly, if they wanted him to stick around, he was probably going to continue to be the starter. But with the younger Justin Fields also having a decent showing during his tenure as the starter earlier this year, there was certainly a chance that Wilson was acting as a placeholder for a developing Fields. After Fields opened the season with a 4-2 start, many were curious why the Steelers wouldn’t stick with the hot hand.
Wilson, though, has gone 5-1 since taking over as the starter, giving Pittsburgh a couple of options for the future. When Fields was starting, he was acting mostly as a game manager for a middling offense, but when Wilson came in, the offense exploded into production. Wilson’s chemistry with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has been the difference and given Wilson a clear road to a permanent starting job in Pittsburgh.
Here are a few other rumors coming out of the Steel City:
- In a recent Q&A on X, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic gave an answer on the future of leading wide receiver George Pickens. While Pickens’ immaturity can get in his own way at times, Kaboly believes the youth and talent of the 23-year-old are enough to warrant an extension in the near future, predicting a good chance that it happens.
- In a different Q&A, Kaboly also made a prediction on the team’s future at running back. With both Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris in contract years, Kaboly calls it a “no brainer” that Pittsburgh tenders an offer to Warren. He goes on to say that he doesn’t see Harris back with the team next year, unless the free agent market doesn’t provide much competition for him, and he returns for a year on a “prove it” deal. It’s an interesting stance given the difference in production between the two this year, but many analysts have favored Warren in recent years, and the Steelers may be on the same page.
Kaboly isn’t with the Athletic anymore. He’s with the Pat McAfee Show. And with opinions like Harris would need to sign a one year “prove it deal”, I can see why.
Harris is a volume back he’s one of the least efficient over his career. It’s not unreasonable to suggest him needinf a one year prove it deal.
I’m not saying that you’re wrong, but that efficiency stat should be annotated with the disastrous performance of that offensive line for the early part of Harris’ career. He’s been obviously much better with improved play there. The nature of the running back position in 2024 king of makes platoon backs more stable than volume backs, so I wouldn’t be surprised, but the efficiency angle I don’t think is completely reflective of who Harris is individually.
Warren runs behind the same line just fine.
Forget efficiency. Harris isn’t as versatile as Warren either but his ball security is far superior. Winning the turnover battle translates to about a 78% win ratio so it would make more sense to retain Harris over Warren.
1. Sign Russell. Period. Something like the Baker Mayfield contract (3 years, $100 million) I think is very reasonable. Fields proved to be a solid backup or spot starter, but I’m not handing the franchise over to him based off his body of work over 4 years.
2. Najee has been a disappointment for a first round pick. When you look at his numbers and use the eye test he’s a fairly pedestrian running back. Yes, O-line play is part of that, but as a 26 year old running back, his best years are likely unfortunately behind him. Sign Warren, draft another back and move on
Pickens scratched vs. Cleveland thru injury. I woulda thought he’d been suspended for getting 2 unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in Cincinnati.
I agree. Tomlin isnt playing around with him.
They needed that game as well with a tough schedule remaining. The defense stepped up. Hopefully Pickens got the message.
They won’t pay Pickens what #1 was are getting. He is very good but I have seen him be very lazy on some catches by not getting both feet down when he could have. The penalties are another issue, atleast he seems to not get in trouble off the field, so he has a chance of a pay day if he matures.
Najee is good, but not good considering he was a 1st rounder. Bring back warren.