While the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't get MVP-level play from quarterback Russell Wilson, they did see a massive improvement from the dark days of the ill-fated Kenny Pickett era. Wilson's play was enough to get the Steelers to the playoffs before the Baltimore Ravens flattened them.
Wilson is still a free agent after this season, and he is not a lock to return to Pittsburgh at this juncture. Not only will he turn 37 in the middle of the 2025 season, but he proved the Steelers may need an upgrade over the quarterback if they want to compete for titles in the AFC.
If Wilson could waive a magic wand and make his ideal fantasy become reality, he'd be right back in Pittsburgh alongside Mike Tomlin and the rest of the crew. Wilson confirmed as much in one of his first interviews since the season came to a close.
In an interview on Pat McAfee's show, Wilson called Pittsburgh a "special place" after his comeback season in 2024 and hinted he would love to remain there in the future. Wilson was also very complimentary of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith despite his late-season woes, calling him a "great coach."
Steelers QB Russell Wilson calls Pittsburgh "special place" after 2024
Wilson went 6-5 in games he started with the Steelers in 2024, though he lost his last four regular season stars before getting annihilated in the playoffs. In those games, Wilson completed around 64% of his passes and tossed 16 touchdown passes against just five interceptions.
If the Steelers are unwilling to get involved in the Sam Darnold sweepstakes or promote Justin Fields to a starting role, Wilson may be the best option under center for Pittsburgh. Wilson proved that he can still be a productive passer, vastly improving from his nightmare tenure in Denver.
The best course of action could be bringing Wilson back on a short-term deal and dumping resources into getting appropriate skill position talent. With Najee Harris a free agent and George Pickens the only above-average wide receiver, Pittsburgh needs talent around whoever ends up as the starting quarterback.
In a year where the quarterback market isn't projected to be very fruitful and the NFL Draft is not providing many high-end passers, the Steelers' best shot of building a playoff team will once again be with Wilson under center, provided the front office can breathe some life into this offense.