Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been hovering around their smartphones and computer screens, waiting for their favorite team to get serious and start making moves. Unfortunately, nothing major has transpired yet. While many teams have been busy firing coaching and general managers, the Steelers seem poised to 'run it back' with the same staff in 2025.
Fans who want change are really going to be upset when they hear about the latest contract talks in the works. If you're looking for a spark, Pittsburgh may have to find it in free agency or the NFL Draft, but it may not come at the quarterback position. Here's the latest Steelers news.
Steelers begin contract talks with QB Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson has been quiet since the Steelers' offseason started following Pittsburgh's playoff loss to the Ravens. But one thing he made clear is that he would love to return to The Steel City in 2025. This might be one step closer to becoming a reality.
On January 22, Wilson joined The Pat McAfee Show and was adimant that he has more to offer. He also revealed that contract talks have begun between himself and the organization.
"Every time you go out there as an athlete you're trying to defy all odds..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 22, 2025
I got so much more in me and I love competing every day" ~ @DangeRussWilson #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/gYMJMJexnj
“Yes, we have started to talk a little bit, obviously, and we had our meetings and everything else and kind of just getting into it,” he said.
This isn't going to appease most Steelers fans. Pittsburgh lost five straight games to close the season (including the playoffs) and scored 14 points per game during this span. Meanwhile, Wilson will turn 37 years old during the 2025 season and won't be playing on a veteran minimum contract like he did this past season.
There's no guarantee a deal gets done with the aging veteran, but the fanbase will undoubtedly be divided if Wilson returns to the team on a new contract in 2025.
Mel Kiper has Steelers going WR in first offseason mock draft
On January 22, well-known ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. released his first mock draft of the offseason. With the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Kiper has the Pittsburgh Steelers going with Ohio State wide receiver, Emeka Egbuka.
"The last time the Steelers took a receiver in Round 1 was 2006 when they drafted Santonio Holmes at No. 25," Kiper wrote on ESPN. "But unless things drastically change in free agency, Pittsburgh has to break that streak. There aren't enough reliable pass catchers in this offense. The Steelers don't have a surefire WR2 behind George Pickens, and the offense isn't going to improve until they do something there, no matter the QB."
The Ohio State wide receiver is coming off a National Championship after breaking the all-time receiving record for the Buckeyes. Egbuka is a well-rounded wide receiver who projects as a WR2 in the NFL. He could step in right away and start alongside George Pickens in Pittsburgh's offense.
Steelers 2025 opponent list revealed
Now that most of the NFL's standings are finalized and we know where teams will be picking in the NFL Draft, we now know every opponent the Pittsburgh Steelers will face in 2025.
Our 2025 opponents
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 22, 2025
📝: https://t.co/v4wQPVknUi pic.twitter.com/IHElWYsTDB
For their home games, the Steelers will face the Ravens, Bengals, Browns, Bills, Packers, Colts, Dolphins, Vikings, and Seahawks. One of these home games is expected to be played overseas in Ireland.
On the road, the Steelers will face their three AFC North rivals along with the Bears, Lions, Chargers, Patriots, and Jets. This could prove to be a brutal opponent list for next season. We won't know the schedule until it is released in May shortly after April's NFL Draft.