Russell Wilson walked into Camping World Stadium on Saturday, quickly scanning the field for his son. He spotted him on the opposite sideline and made his way across to be with him. Wilson didn’t want to do anything without Future Wilson by his side.
The 36-year-old quarterback, who was added to the Pro Bowl Games as an alternate after Buffalo’s Josh Allen withdrew, is set to become a free agent after one season in Pittsburgh.
“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. “I love it in Pittsburgh.”
However, the Steelers might have different plans.
Team president Art Rooney II mentioned on Monday that the Steelers are considering keeping either Wilson or Justin Fields on a long-term contract. He didn’t say which one, but suggested that age could play a role in the decision.
Fields, who filled in for Wilson when he was injured earlier in the season, is turning 25 next month, while Wilson had already made three Pro Bowls before Fields became a standout at Harrison High School in Georgia.
“I’ve been fortunate to play 13-plus years, and I’ve got a lot more ball left in me,” Wilson 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.”
Wilson avoided questions about possibly joining former Seattle coach Pete Carroll in Las Vegas. The Raiders hired Carroll last month, which sparked rumors that Wilson could follow him.
“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.”
Wilson played in the last 11 games of the 2024 season after recovering from a calf injury. He completed 63.7% of his passes for 2,482 yards, with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions, while rushing for 155 yards and two touchdowns.
Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward said keeping Wilson would be “huge” for the team in 2025.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but those quarterbacks know what they’re doing,” Heyward said. “I just hope we find a solution and a recipe for us to continue to win.”
Raiders tight end Brock Bowers smiled when asked about the possibility of playing with Wilson, but didn’t push the idea of upgrading from quarterbacks Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. He did, however, ask Wilson about Coach Carroll.
“He said he’s great, he’s awesome and he brings a lot of energy to practices,” Bowers said. “Coach Carroll has won a lot and has a lot of football knowledge, so I’m excited to see what happens.”
No one knows what will happen next for Wilson, but he spoke highly of the Steelers.
“Mike Tomlin is special,” Wilson said. “He’s an amazing individual. He’s one of the greatest of all time.”
Some might say the same about Wilson, who is one of only three quarterbacks in NFL history to throw for at least 2,400 yards in each of their first 13 seasons. He also has more wins (130) in his first 13 seasons than every quarterback except Tom Brady (153), Peyton Manning (150), Ben Roethlisberger (136), and Brett Favre (136). And he’s made 10 Pro Bowls.
“It’s a blessing,” Wilson said. “I remember being here my rookie year and being around guys like Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton and Eli Manning. And I remember how grateful I was. Ten Pro Bowls later, it’s still a blessing.”
