Reporter addresses rumors linking Steelers' Russell Wilson with Raiders, Pete Carroll

Members of the NFL community are unsure of how the Las Vegas Raiders will respond to striking out in their offseason pursuit of Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, who remained with Los Angeles via a reworked contract. 

In a piece published Tuesday, NFL reporter Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic explained why he thinks Raiders minority owner Tom Brady and new head coach Pete Carroll could target Russell Wilson of the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is assuming Wilson becomes eligible to speak with other teams when the free-agent negotiating window opens on March 10.

"Most signs point toward the Raiders prioritizing proven veterans over unproven rookies, or even question marks like [Steelers backup Justin Fields] or [Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings]," Rosenblatt explained. "...The Raiders also have an early second-round pick (No. 37), and two early thirds (No. 68 and No. 73) and would be smart to add a developmental talent." 

Carroll and Wilson led the Seattle Seahawks to a pair of Super Bowl appearances and a championship from 2012-21, and the two reportedly have "mended fences" after the Seahawks traded Wilson to the Denver Broncos in March 2022. As Rosenblatt referenced, the Raiders reportedly will look to land a cheaper so-called bridge option at quarterback instead of pursuing Darnold, who likely will become the highest-paid free-agent signal-caller of the offseason. 

While some stories have linked Wilson with the New York Giants, it's worth noting he rejected them last offseason to sign a team-friendly deal with the Steelers. Additionally, the Giants are one team that could trade for the first pick in this year's draft and subsequently take Miami's Cam Ward on April 24. 

Ward is widely viewed as the top quarterback of his class. As for the Steelers, they seemingly are ready to let Wilson reach free agency when the new league year opens on March 12. 

Wilson mentored Fields throughout 2024 and was 6-1 as a starter this past season before Pittsburgh endured a five-game losing streak. He may no longer be what he was during his best days with the Seahawks, but he could guide the Raiders to a handful of wins while a to-be-determined rookie develops as a backup and learns lessons handed down by a one-time Super Bowl champion.