Another option off the board for Pittsburgh…
Another option at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers is officially off the board, as 2024 starter Russell Wilson has officially signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants worth up to $21 million, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. The deal includes $10.5 million guaranteed.
The G Men signed veteran Jameis Winston to a two-year deal worth $8 million earlier this week as a presumed backup and also hold the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft — presumably in play for the consideration of Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, who is widely considered QB2 in this class behind Miami QB Cam Ward.
This move means two things for the Steelers at this point, the first of which, obviously, is that Wilson’s brief tenure in black and gold has officially reached its end. The former Super Bowl champion went 6-6 as a starter with the Steelers, including the postseason, having missed time with a calf injury through training camp and the first six weeks of the season.
The other consideration to make is what this move means for the Steelers at quarterback, as Wilson was reportedly still in play as a potential re-signing, pending the outcome of other options on the board. Pittsburgh continues to wait for an update on the status of veteran QB Aaron Rodgers, who is contemplating his options after hitting free agency for the first time in his career this offseason following his release by the New York Jets.
Rodgers met with the Steelers last week, including visits with HC Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan, though he did not reach a deal before leaving the facility. Now, with Wilson off the board, it seems as likely as ever that Rodgers lands with Pittsburgh. Rodgers went 5-12 with the Jets in 2024, throwing for 3,897 yards, 28 TD and 11 INT.
After this point, it’s fairly unsurprising that Wilson elected to sign elsewhere, as it seemed that his relationship with the Steelers did, in fact, sour at some point. Bob Labriola of Steelers.com speculated that the relationship between Wilson and Pittsburgh appeared beyond repair — unsurprising, considering previous reports (and subsequent denials) that there were issues between Wilson and current OC Arthur Smith.
If things with Rodgers also fall through, the Steelers would likely be looking at former third-round pick (and 2023 end-of-season hero) Mason Rudolph as the presumed starter, barring a surprising trade for another veteran.