Steelers must put Russell Wilson under the microscope before issuing a new contract
Russell Wilson has one regular-season game plus playoffs to prove he deserves a new deal.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to re-sign veteran quarterback Russell Wilson in 2025 comes with optimism and uncertainty. Since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement in 2022, the Steelers have been looking for a stable quarterback who can maintain their high expectations of contention.
Over the past few seasons, they’ve cycled through several quarterbacks, but the combination of inexperience and the weight of Pittsburgh’s storied football tradition never meshed. With playoff aspirations still high, the Steelers needed to find a solution before the 2024 season. Enter Russell Wilson.
Signed to the NFL’s veteran minimum of $1.6 million, Wilson took over as the Steelers’ starter in Week 7 against the New York Jets. His veteran leadership and steady hand under center have been refreshing for a team accustomed to fluctuating quarterback play. His ability to manage the game, make key throws in critical moments, and offer a calming presence in the huddle has helped stabilize the Steelers offense.
But as Pittsburgh heads into the postseason with three consecutive losses, the question arises: has Wilson’s impact been enough to earn him a new contract?
Does Russell wilson worth a new contract in 2025?
On paper, Wilson’s 2024 season shows a solid but unspectacular performance. Through ten games, he has thrown 15 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, a notable improvement over the turnovers the Steelers have struggled with in recent years. However, his numbers are down compared to his 2023 season, where he threw 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions in 15 starts.
Despite a modest drop in production, Wilson’s experience and ability to elevate his play in critical moments have provided Pittsburgh with better quarterback play than they’ve had since Roethlisberger’s departure.
Yet, this hasn’t translated into a significantly better regular-season outcome, as the Steelers continue to face the same stagnation that has plagued them during recent playoff pushes.
The Steelers’ decision regarding Wilson’s future will ultimately weigh heavily on their desire to remain a contender in the AFC. While Wilson’s leadership has certainly been an asset, it hasn’t been enough to push the Steelers into a higher tier among AFC contenders.
Wilson’s presence has created sparks at times this season, but Pittsburgh still faces the same issues that have plagued them in recent years: inconsistent play and a lack of dynamic quarterback play.
With limited options for drafting a top-tier quarterback in the upcoming draft, the Steelers front office must carefully evaluate Wilson’s value. While he has provided solid play, it’s unclear whether his contributions will be enough to secure him a long-term deal.
As the Steelers continue their search for stability under center, Wilson may be a bridge quarterback, but whether he’s the long-term answer remains to be seen.
