Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Russell Wilson is projected to fetch a big contract in offseason

Originally posted on Steeler Nation
By Anthony G. Halkias II | Last updated Feb 4, 2025 7:54 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a choice to make at quarterback ahead of the 2025 season. Of course, the two most obvious options are Justin Fields and Russell Wilson.

Pittsburgh was fortunate enough to have both Fields and Wilson in 2024 on affordable deals, but that luxury is about to end. As both quarterbacks approach free agency, the Steelers face tough decisions on who to keep and what it will cost.

Wilson, in particular, was playing on the veteran minimum in the 2024 season, making him a bargain for the Steelers. However, his price tag has risen significantly for 2025. Spotrac has projected that Wilson will sign a two-year, $77.5M contract in the offseason, which would be a major increase from his 2024 salary.

This could complicate the Steelers’ plans, as they will need to assess whether it's worth investing so much in a veteran quarterback.

Spotrac projects #Steelers impending free-agent QB Russell Wilson to sign a 2-year, $77.5M contract this offseason. pic.twitter.com/3GbHpUfAZW
— Steelers Update (@SteelersUpdate1) February 4, 2025

For Steelers fans, the prospect of paying Wilson such a hefty sum may not sit well. While his experience and leadership could be valuable, the cost could hinder the team's ability to strengthen other areas of the roster.

Ultimately, the Steelers must weigh the long-term benefits of keeping a seasoned quarterback against the risk of overcommitting financially.

Fields had the opportunity to start the first six games of the 2024 season after a calf injury sidelined Wilson. In his limited chances, he handled the offense well, leading the Steelers to a 4-2 record before being benched when Wilson returned. His performance left many Steelers fans wondering how the season might have played out if he had remained the starter.

Now, those same fans may get their answer in 2025. With Wilson’s high price tag and Fields offering a younger, more dynamic option, momentum is shifting toward him taking over as QB1. At this point, keeping Fields as the starter seems to be the most popular choice among Steelers fans.

Wilson had a solid 2024 season, but losing five straight games down the stretch should seal his fate. Once defenses took away his deep ball, the Steelers' offense became predictable and stagnant. He didn’t do enough when playing from behind to justify such a massive contract, leaving many questioning whether he’s worth that kind of investment.

Wilson has made it clear that he loves the Steel City and wants to return. However, the only realistic way that happens is if he’s willing to take a massive pay cut. If he’s truly committed to winning in Pittsburgh, he may try to negotiate a team-friendly deal that allows the Steelers to build a more competitive roster around him.

That said, there’s no indication that Wilson is open to a discount despite his desire to stay. Given his age and the fact that the Steelers have a younger, more exciting, and significantly cheaper option in Fields, his current price tag simply doesn’t make sense.

It will be interesting to see what the market for Wilson actually looks like in 2025 and whether another team is willing to meet his demands.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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