Russell Wilson Eyes Steelers Return Amid Free Agency Uncertainty

ORLANDO, Fla. — As the 2025 NFL free agency period approaches, 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson has made it clear he wants to remain with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wilson, who joined the Steelers on a one-year deal in 2024, expressed his desire to return to the team during the Pro Bowl Games this week.

“I’m looking forward to hopefully going back to the Steelers, and we’ll see what happens with the rest,” Wilson told The Associated Press on Saturday. “I love it in Pittsburgh.” The 36-year-old quarterback, who was added to the Pro Bowl as an alternate, is set to become a free agent after a season marked by both promise and challenges.

Wilson started 11 games for the Steelers in 2024, throwing for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He missed the first six games due to a calf injury but provided a spark to the offense upon his return. However, Pittsburgh’s offense struggled late in the season, failing to score more than 20 points in its final five games, including a playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Steelers owner and president Art Rooney II indicated Monday that the team is considering its options at quarterback. While Rooney did not specify whether the team would prioritize re-signing Wilson or Justin Fields, who filled in admirably during Wilson’s absence, he acknowledged that age could be a factor. Fields, who turns 26 next month, went 4-2 as a starter in 2024.

Wilson, a Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks, has no plans to retire. “I’ve been fortunate to play 13-plus years, and I’ve got a lot more ball left in me,” he said. “I think staying healthy is always the thing. You’ve got to be healthy to play your best, and I feel great right now.”

Speculation has also swirled about a potential reunion with former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, now with the Las Vegas Raiders. Wilson, however, sidestepped questions about joining Carroll in Vegas. “Pete’s going to be a great coach, obviously,” Wilson said. “He’s great at what he does. But I’m focused on the Steelers.”

Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward emphasized the importance of retaining Wilson. “It would be huge to keep him,” Heyward said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but those quarterbacks know what they’re doing. I just hope we find a solution and a recipe for us to continue to win.”

Wilson’s legacy in the NFL is secure. He is one of only three quarterbacks in league history to throw for at least 2,400 yards in each of their first 13 seasons. With 130 wins in that span, he trails only Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, and Brett Favre.

As free agency looms, Wilson remains focused on his future in Pittsburgh. “Mike Tomlin is special,” Wilson said of the Steelers’ head coach. “He’s an amazing individual. He’s one of the greatest of all time.” Whether Wilson’s future includes a return to the Steel City or a new chapter elsewhere, his impact on the game is undeniable.