By Sunday 
Wilson’s Loyalty to Steelers Amid Reunion Rumors
Russell Wilson has made it clear—his future, if he has a say in it, is with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite speculation about a possible reunion with his former head coach Pete Carroll in Las Vegas, Wilson remains firm in his commitment to the black and gold.
“Pete’s going to be a great coach, obviously. He’s great at what he does,” Wilson said during the Pro Bowl Games weekend. “But I’m focused on the Steelers. I’m looking forward to hopefully going back to the Steelers, and we’ll see what happens with the rest. I love it in Pittsburgh.”
With Wilson set to become an unrestricted free agent in March, rumors connecting him to the Raiders have gained traction since Carroll joined the organization. However, Wilson’s words suggest his priority is stability in Pittsburgh, rather than a reunion with the coach who drafted him in 2012.
Wilson’s Impact on the Steelers
Wilson’s tenure in Pittsburgh began with a promising 6-1 start before ending on a sour note with five consecutive losses. However, his impact on the team cannot be ignored.
Signing a one-year, league-minimum contract to ease the financial burden on the Steelers, Wilson proved he was willing to bet on himself and the team’s potential. His leadership and experience provided a stabilizing presence in a tumultuous season, even if the final results were disappointing.
Now, with his Denver Broncos contract obligations complete, Wilson is in line for a more substantial payday. Spotrac estimates his market value at a two-year, $77.5 million deal, averaging nearly $39 million per season. Whether the Steelers will meet those demands remains to be seen.
Steelers Face Quarterback Dilemma
Pittsburgh now finds itself at a crossroads. Wilson isn’t the only quarterback eager to return—backup Justin Fields has also expressed his desire to stay.
The team, however, likely won’t be able to afford both. Fields, a decade younger than Wilson, brings raw athleticism and potential, but Wilson offers a proven track record. The Steelers must weigh immediate stability against long-term development.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II stated that he “would prefer” one of the two quarterbacks to return but did not specify which. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the team is leaning toward re-signing Fields while also targeting a quarterback in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft.
What’s Next for Wilson?
If Pittsburgh ultimately moves on from Wilson, the Raiders remain a possible destination. His familiarity with Carroll’s coaching philosophy could make Las Vegas an attractive option. However, Wilson has yet to entertain that idea publicly.
For now, his focus remains on Pittsburgh—if the Steelers are willing to bring him back at the right price.