The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Russell Wilson to be their starting quarterback in 2024 on a one-year deal. However, the Justin Fields trade just days later added new uncertainty regarding the Steelers’ starting quarterback next season. Now, things might be taking another turn.
Wilson would be the cheapest starting quarterback in the NFL next season by far if head coach Mike Tomlin gives him the job. The nine-time Pro Bowl selection, who is favored to win a competition for the job in training camp, ranks 48th among money owed to quarterbacks in 2024.
- Russell Wilson salary: $1.21 million in 2024
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While he is the presumed starter, the Steelers and Tomlin have had a long-standing interest in Fields. He also offers far more upside and is a better fit for the run-heavy offense Arthur Smith wants to deploy next season. Starting Fields would also allow Pittsburgh to evaluate if he should be its starting quarterback in 2025, but it appears Wilson might have a future with the team as well.
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers and Wilson intend to come to an agreement on a long-term deal at the end of the 2024 season.
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The reason Pittsburgh landed Wilson at the minimum salary for NFL veterans is because he was released by the Denver Broncos. He’s owed $39 million guaranteed this year and any amount he signed for would be deducted from what the Broncos have to pay him. So, he’s receiving $1.21 million from Pittsburgh and $38 million from Denver.
It is a bit surprising that the Steelers’ organization would want to pursue another contract with Wilson as he heads into his age-36 season. He’s lost arm strength over time and while he posted a 98.0 QB rating last year, much of that was the result of Sean Payton’s system.
- Justin Fields contract: $3.233 million cap hit in 2024
However, it’s evident that both sides are interested in staying together long-term and that will only raise more questions about Fields’ chances of starting in 2024 and the likelihood of him sticking around beyond that.
