Tony Grossi, an NFL analyst for ESPN, recently shed light on the contract demands of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson as he continues his search for a new team.
With the 2025 free agency period well underway, Wilson is reportedly seeking a salary in the range of $20 million to $30 million per year. That number has raised some eyebrows — especially in Cleveland, where the Browns need a quarterback but are hesitant to spend that much on an aging veteran.
Russell Wilson’s Contract Demands Could Impact His Next Destination
The Cleveland Browns are in the market for a starting quarterback, and Wilson has emerged as a possible fit. But according to Grossi, the former Super Bowl winner is asking for a deal worth between $20 million and $30 million per year — a price that might be too steep for Cleveland.
According to Tony Grossi of ESPN in Cleveland, QB Russell Wilson is reportedly asking for $20-30 million per year. #Steelers #NFL
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) March 23, 2025
As Wilson considers his options, his financial expectations could be a deciding factor in where he ends up for the 2025 season.
The Browns hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and are weighing their options between signing a veteran or drafting a young quarterback. While prospects like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders could be on the board, Cleveland has also explored free agency. Wilson even visited the team, showing clear mutual interest, but no deal has been reached so far.
Wilson, 36, spent the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being released by the Denver Broncos. He completed 63.7% of his passes for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions, adding 155 rushing yards and two scores. While he was solid, his performance didn’t match the elite level of other high-paid quarterbacks. He posted a grade of 75.3 (17th in the NFL) in 2024, according to PFSN’s QB+ metric.
Last season, he played on a minimum contract because the Broncos were still covering most of his salary. This year, with no financial cushion from Denver, Wilson is aiming for a bigger payday.
Cleveland isn’t the only team that’s been linked to Wilson. The New York Giants were reportedly interested but recently signed Jameis Winston to a two-year, $8 million deal, making it unlikely they pursue another veteran. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been keeping an eye on Aaron Rodgers, which casts doubt on a possible return for Wilson.
Could the Browns Afford Wilson?
With a shrinking market, Wilson may need to lower his asking price to lock down a starting role.
The Browns’ quarterback room remains unsettled. Kenny Pickett is on the roster, but he isn’t viewed as a long-term answer. There were also some rumors linking Carson Wentz to the Browns, who could be a cost-effective option that could compete for the QB1 job in 2025. If Cleveland passes on Wilson due to his demands, they could pivot to the draft for a more cost-effective solution.
As free agency continues, the biggest question is whether Wilson will adjust his expectations to stay in a starting role — or if teams will move on and turn to younger, cheaper options.
Cleveland is among the most cap-constrained teams in the NFL and does not have the space to meet Wilson’s demands, especially given the production he has provided recently, albeit improved in 2024.
With only about $20 million in available salary cap space at the moment, it would be hard for Wilson to fit into the team’s budget, especially if he is looking for multiple seasons on his deal. This will only continue to add to the speculation around Cleveland pursuing a quarterback in the NFL Draft.
Will Wilson team up with Winston in the Big Apple or will he lower his demands and sign with Cleveland? Another team could certainly work its way into the mix, but for now, it seems like the ball is in Wilson’s court as the NFL world waits for Rodgers to make his own move too.