Insider explains why Steelers haven't yet re-signed Russell Wilson amid Aaron Rodgers uncertainty

Considering Pittsburgh Steelers owner and president Art Rooney II said in January his "priority" was to re-sign starting quarterback Russell Wilson or backup Justin Fields, some may be confused that the Steelers didn't quickly bring Wilson back after Fields agreed to join the New York Jets in free agency. 

For a piece published Wednesday night, NFL reporter Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports offered some information on why the Steelers seemingly have pivoted from Wilson to Aaron Rodgers regarding their quarterback situation. 

"Two league sources have told Yahoo Sports that Russell’s potential to return to the Steelers is less certain regardless of what Rodgers does, and likely would be completely off the table if it were simply the decision of some members of the offensive coaching staff. For that to change would likely take some conversations inside the building and a total lack of other QB candidates," Robinson explained.

Numerous reports surfaced after what was a 10-3 Steelers side lost its final five games (including the playoffs) this past season that Wilson and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith "did not have a very good working relationship." Subsequent stories indicated that head coach Mike Tomlin preferred Wilson over Fields, while Smith allegedly was in Fields' camp. It's now believed Tomlin benching Fields when the Steelers were 4-2 was one reason the 26-year-old signed with the Jets.

Meanwhile, Wilson reportedly "feels some type of way" about the fact he hasn't yet been warmly embraced by the Steelers this offseason.

As for the "total lack of other QB candidates" line, it's clear Rodgers prefers to play for a Minnesota Vikings team that may or may not name 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy its undisputed starter during springtime workouts. In the event Minnesota turns to McCarthy, Rodgers could either retire or wait for a team other than the Steelers and New York Giants to give him a call. 

Other than Rodgers, Wilson is the best option on a list of free agents that includes veterans such as Joe Flacco and Jameis Winston.

Some may assume the Steelers could reach out to the Atlanta Falcons to discuss a possible trade for quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins' contract has a full no-trade clause, and he may be waiting to hear from the Vikings considering he played well under Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell from September 2022 up until Cousins suffered a torn Achilles in October 2023.

Logic suggests Tomlin should have the necessary "conversations" with his coaches referenced by Robinson sooner rather than later, as it's unknown when the Vikings and Rodgers will make decisions that will affect Pittsburgh's preparations for the upcoming campaign.