Steelers Now
NFL insider Adam Schefter believes the Pittsburgh Steelers are first in line to re-sign quarterback Russell Wilson this offseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are both set to become free agents this offseason and should have several suitors on the open market. NFL insider Adam Schefter doesn’t think that necessarily means they want to test their market, though.
Steelers president Art Rooney II already said the team’s plan is to re-sign one of their two incumbent quarterbacks to a long-term contract this offseason. For Wilson, Pittsburgh is first in line.
“Pittsburgh has expressed an interest in bringing him back and I think we start there because they’ve got first dibs on the guy,” Schefter said on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “But it has to make sense for both sides, and if there’s a deal there that works for both of them, then they go ahead and do it. If not, then we start to flush out the options.”
That’s not surprising since Wilson has not been shy in expressing his interest in re-signing with the Steelers. However, recent reports have been linking Wilson to a potential reunion with new Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll.
At this point, that seems to be more of backup plan for Wilson. The 36-year-old has also said that he has already begun contract talks with the Steelers, but those are likely at the very beginning stages.
Steelers fans are hoping that’s the case based on how the season ended. Wilson struggled down the stretch, throwing for just 968 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions on the team’s five-game losing streak to end the year.
While some believe Wilson’s play over the last month of the season could have hurt his value, others think he could still receive a deal upwards of $100 million.
If that’s true, the Steelers would be smart to shift their focus onto Fields. It remains to be seen if Pittsburgh is at the top of Fields’ list to sign with this offseason, but staying in an organization with the stability the Steelers have could be enticing enough for the 25-year-old.
