Russell Wilson is currently a free agent. While the 37-year old quarterback received a contract offer from the New York Jets, he is said to be mulling TV opportunities. But if Wilson wants to continue playing, does the Pittsburgh Steelers make sense? Andrew Buller-Russ of Yahoo Sports named the Steelers as a potential landing spot for Wilson:
“Pittsburgh Steelers
A reunion? We can’t entirely rule it out with Aaron Rodgersstill unsigned in free agency. Wilson led the Steelers to the playoffs once; who’s to say he can’t do it again with Mike McCarthy pressing the buttons? This outcome would only make sense if Rodgers surprisingly decides not to sign in Pittsburgh,but for some reason, he still hasn’t agreed to a new contract.”
Wilson, of course, played a season with the Steelers not long ago. Could he sport black and yellow again in 2026?
Analyst Lists the Steelers as a Landing Spot for Russell Wilson
Looking Back at His Career
The Seattle Seahawks selected Russell Wilson in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he was expected to back up Matt Flynn, who had just signed as a free agent. Yet, Wilson ended up beating out Flynn for the starting quarterback job. That’s not bad at all for a third-round rookie.
Wilson went on to become a star in Seattle. During his 10 seasons with the franchise, he made nine Pro Bowls, the All-Pro second team once, and led the NFL in passer rating (2015 season) and passing touchdowns (2017). More importantly, he led the Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one.
Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos during the 2022 offseason. He lasted just two seasons in Denver, though, failing to make the playoffs both years. Released by the Broncos, Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in 2024. During his lone season in Pittsburgh, he threw for 2,482 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading the team to the playoffs. However, the Steelers lost to the Baltimore Ravens 28-14 in the Wild Card round that year.
Wilson signed with the New York Giants in 2025. Last season, he appeared in six games (three starts) with the Giants, passing for 831 yards and three touchdowns. Wilson had a standout performance in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, throwing for 450 yards and three touchdowns.
Should the Steelers Sign Him?
Will Aaron Rodgers return to Pittsburgh? No one knows what the veteran quarterback will do. The Steelers are praying he comes back for another season.
At age 42, Rodgers certainly isn’t the superstar that he used to be. He’s not going to win a fifth MVP award. Yet, he’s the Steelers’ best option, as he’s still capable of taking them to the playoffs.
Like Buller-Ross pointed out, Russell Wilson landing with the Steelers would only make sense if Rodgers decides not to sign in Pittsburgh. If Rodgers doesn’t return, the team will have to move forward with Mason Rudolph and young, inexperienced quarterbacks like Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar.
Howard, whom the Steelers drafted in the sixth round in 2025, has yet to play in a single regular-season game. The former Ohio State Buckeye missed his entire rookie year due to a fractured hand that he suffered during training camp. And Allar, drafted in the third round this year, obviously hasn’t played yet.
Wilson could help mentor the Howard and Allar duo. While he isn’t the star that he was in Seattle, the 10-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion knows a thing or two about what it takes to become a successful NFL quarterback. So yes, if Rodgers doesn’t return, the Steelers should consider a Russell Wilson reunion this offseason.
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