As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to await a decision from Aaron Rodgers regarding his future, their alternative plan in case he declines their offer remains uncertain. Rodgers visited the Steelers’ facility last Friday but left without signing a contract. Many have speculated that if Rodgers does not join the team, Pittsburgh might turn to their 2024 quarterback, Russell Wilson.
However, recent reports indicate that the Steelers and Wilson have not engaged in any significant discussions for some time. Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network has suggested that Wilson’s chances of returning to Pittsburgh are growing increasingly slim.
“I wouldn’t be shocked by anything, but I would be very surprised if Russell Wilson is back in Pittsburgh under any circumstances,” Pelissero remarked during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. “The Steelers have made it clear that they prefer Aaron Rodgers over Wilson. In fact, Wilson may not even be their third choice at this point.”
Pelissero is not the only one to cast doubt on Wilson’s return. Reports from PennLive, citing sources at the NFL Combine, suggest that Wilson’s late-season struggles and a reported rift with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith have created tension within the Steelers organization. Specifically, Smith allegedly restricted Wilson’s ability to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage, which may have contributed to frustrations within the team.
For Wilson to return to Pittsburgh, both sides would need to repair their relationship. Even if Rodgers ultimately decides to sign elsewhere, there is no guarantee that the Steelers will pivot back to Wilson as their preferred option. Meanwhile, Wilson has attracted interest from other teams, including the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants. He has already met with both franchises and is reportedly ready to sign a contract as soon as an offer is extended.
The Giants, like the Steelers, are still awaiting Rodgers’ decision, but they have explored other quarterback options as well. New York has shown interest in veteran signal-callers such as Joe Flacco and Jameis Winston. Meanwhile, Wilson has publicly expressed his desire to return to Pittsburgh since the season concluded.
If the Steelers ultimately reconsider and reach out to Wilson, he would likely be open to repairing the relationship and returning to the team. However, given the current circumstances, Pittsburgh does not appear to be actively pursuing that option. With other teams expressing interest in Wilson, the likelihood of him wearing a different uniform next season continues to grow.