As the NFL offseason heats up, speculation about where free agent quarterback Russell Wilson might land in 2025 is intense. Unfortunately (or fortunately) for Pittsburgh fans, a reunion with the Steelers appears off the table. Despite Wilson’s past success and pedigree as a Super Bowl champion, multiple insiders confirm that the Steelers are not bringing him back for another season.
Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation has been a hot topic since Wilson joined the Steelers in 2024 after his release by the Denver Broncos. Wilson’s performance was too inconsistent and not enough to lead the Steelers to a deep playoff run. Now, as he enters free agency, it appears both sides are ready to move on, according to reports from NFL insiders.
‘No Chance’: Pittsburgh Steelers Insiders Shut Down Russell Wilson Return
“It won’t be here. No chance. None,” Steelers insider Dejan Kovacevic said. This sentiment aligns with NFL insider Jay Glazer (and Mike Tomlin’s trusted friend), who echoed a similar outlook earlier this week: “I think you’ll see a new start for Russell somewhere,” Glazer shared on Feb. 6.
Wilson displayed flashes in his short stint in Pittsburgh but lacked the consistency to secure his position as the long-term answer under center.
Despite a respectable 2024 season, rumors of strained relationships within the organization and the need for a younger, more dynamic quarterback appear to have sealed his fate.
NFL Playoff Teams Like Kansas City Chiefs Stifled Wilson’s Success With Steelers
After Wilson was medically cleared and named the starter, Pittsburgh went 7-1, giving fans hope that this might be the season of a deep playoff run. In Weeks 7 through 14, Wilson put up 1,784 yards and 12 touchdowns (three interceptions) with a 64.2% completion average.
But when facing playoff-contending teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and resurgent Cincinnati Bengals to close out the season, Wilson fell off a cliff — and the offense right along with it. Pittsburgh finished the season on an ugly five-game skid (including the playoff loss), which all but put the nail in Wilson’s coffin.
According to PFN’s QB+ metric, Wilson ranked 17th among the 39 quarterbacks who qualified in 2024, citing struggles to close out games in the fourth quarter (28th) and an abysmal 38.8% conversion rate on third down (17th).
What’s Next for Wilson, Steelers?
The former No. 11 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft could cash in from a quarterback-needy team in free agency — don’t rule out the New York Giants or Las Vegas Raiders — despite a roller-coaster year with the Steelers. Wilson’s leadership and playoff experience still make him an appealing option for franchises looking for a quick turnaround.
Meanwhile, the Steelers’ focus will likely shift to re-signing and developing Justin Fields. Pittsburgh brass — from owner Art Rooney II to Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith — all expressed interest in mobility at quarterback and a hard-nosed ground game.