Russell Wilson makes feelings about possible Steelers return clear

It was reported last week that veteran quarterback Russell Wilson has a "path" to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for another season in part because Wilson's "biggest supporter" in the building is none other than head coach Mike Tomlin. 

During a Wednesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Wilson indicated he wants to stay with Pittsburgh until he's ready to ride off into the sunset of retirement. 

"I got so much more in me," Wilson said, as shared by Madison Williams of Sports Illustrated. "My goal is to be with the Pittsburgh Steelers a long time and hopefully finish my career there, God willing."

Wilson turned 36 years old this past November and, similar to Pittsburgh backup Justin Fields, is on track to reach free agency when the new league year opens in March. Some recently suggested the Steelers could look to re-sign Fields over Wilson in part because the former will be just 26 years old this fall and, theoretically, should be the cheaper of the two options. However, Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot noted that Wilson told the "McAfee" crew he and the club "have been starting to talk a little bit obviously" about a potential reunion. 

Fields went 4-2 as a starter while Wilson spent the first six weeks of the 2024 season recovering from a lingering calf problem. Tomlin nevertheless turned to Wilson in Week 7, and the one-time Super Bowl champion guided Pittsburgh to an overall record of 10-3 before things fell apart. The Steelers ended the regular season with four straight losses, but Tomlin stuck with Wilson over Fields for what became a 28-14 wild-card playoff loss at the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 11. 

Steelers insider Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette revealed on Monday that potential free agents such as Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets, Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings and Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons "do not appear to interest" Pittsburgh at this point of the offseason. That seems to be just fine with Wilson. 

"Pittsburgh was a special place for me," Wilson added on Wednesday. "I love it. It's a special place because of the guys, and the locker room, and the traditions, and the people and the winning -- all of that, plus you have Mike Tomlin, who's arguably the best coach of all time."

Tomlin likely is staying with the Steelers through at least the start of next season and, thus, should have quite a bit of say regarding the team's quarterback situation. While plenty could change between now and the start of free agency, it appears Wilson will once again be on the Pittsburgh depth chart during springtime workouts.