Insider explains if Steelers could bring Russell Wilson back for 2025 season

Per Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot, Pittsburgh Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger said on the latest episode of his podcast that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin "makes most of the decisions in Pittsburgh" and has "got a lot of pull" as it pertains to personnel calls. 

It appears that setup could result in the Steelers bringing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson back for the 2025 season. 

"Russell Wilson's best path back to the Steelers' roster in 2025 is through Mike Tomlin, who was certainly his biggest supporter from the time that he realized we can get this guy for a veteran minimum deal, bring him on the roster and potentially compete and have a starting quarterback for that number while the (Denver Broncos) pick up the tab," NFL Media's Mike Garafolo said during Tuesday's edition of NFL Network's "The Insiders" program, as shared by Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. "He still has a lot of support from Tomlin, Wilson does, from what I understand. Even recently, despite the fact that he didn't play as well as he did earlier in the season."

While Justin Fields guided the 2024 Steelers to a 4-2 record as Wilson recovered from a lingering calf issue, Tomlin made it clear with his actions from Week 7 through Pittsburgh's wild-card playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens this past weekend that he preferred to start the 36-year-old. 

Both Wilson and Fields remain on track to reach free agency when the new league year opens in March. Meanwhile, it seems Tomlin is staying put and, thus, will have some say regarding the club's quarterback situation for 2025. 

"Is he gonna be the unquestioned No. 1 in Pittsburgh in 2025? No," Garafolo added about Wilson. "Is he going to be even in the pole position like Tomlin said [last] spring? Maybe not. But is he on the roster in the mix? Potentially some kind of bridge or a guy to compete with, whether it's a rookie or another free agent? I think there's a reasonable shot of that." 

Wilson helped the Steelers get to 10-3 before Pittsburgh lost its final five games through the playoffs. According to Pro Football Reference, Wilson ended this past regular season ranked 26th in the league among qualified players with a 51.4 adjusted QBR and 14th with a 95.6 passer rating. Over 11 games, he tossed 16 touchdown passes and five interceptions. 

Some analysts have mentioned the Steelers could let Wilson hit the open market and then sign future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers to a team-friendly contract assuming the New York Jets part ways with Rodgers in March. It sounds like Tomlin may prefer to run it back with Wilson even after Pittsburgh crashed and burned from Week 15 through Jan. 11.