Whitworth: Steelers Brass Currently Engaged In Tough Conversations Over Looming Russell Wilson Decision

The Pittsburgh Steelers brought two quarterbacks in on one-year contracts during the 2024 offseason, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Since Wilson suffered a calf injury just before training camp, Fields got the opportunity to start the first six games of the season. When Wilson took over during Week 7 against the New York Jets, many were outraged, feeling Fields had played so well that it didn't make sense to sit him. However, Head Coach Mike Tomlin stuck to his guns and did what he thought was best, which paid off.    

He doesn't look ready to hang up his cleats at all. Recently, on an episode of What the Football with Suzy Shuster and Amy Trask, the topic of Wilson and the Steelers' offense came up with their guest Andrew Whitworth, who was an offensive tackle who mostly played for AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals. Shuster and Trask asked Whitworth if he thinks Wilson will stay in Pittsburgh.  

"I think the tough conversation for them will be, what is that number," said Whitworth. "I think if you look at it, they have the pieces up front on offensive and defensive line. You know, some really good pieces offensively and defensively. Everything to say, 'Alright, we've got a really good football team. What does that number do to us, though?'"

The reality is all of these young players the Steelers have will start needing to be paid. While many are still under rookie contracts, that won't last. He said it's true for both sides of the ball and cited the new offensive linemen and the wealth of edge rushers they have on the roster. 

The key will be how much it will cost. He envisions somewhere between Baker Mayfield money, roughly $30ish million a year, and the top guys in the league, upwards of $50+ million. Whitworth thinks it would be a no-brainer if it is closer to Mayfield. If it is more than that, then he doesn't see the Steelers "handicapping" themselves in that manner. He added that Wilson may want to work out an advantageous deal for both sides, citing how well the former Super Bowl winner is playing under Arthur Smith.

"Because what's come alive is you've seen Russell Wilson, because of this run game, because of the job Arthur Smith's done, he's actually grown throughout the year," explained Whitworth. "We're starting to see him use his legs more; they did RPOs this week, and he made some plays out of the pocket. You see his confidence in himself, his belief in what he's capable of is growing as the season's going. Arthur Smith is finding ways to really accentuate that. It's a great marriage to this point."

Whitworth said Wilson's career has been invigorated by Tomlin and Smith. He has been playing in a manner that hasn't been seen since a few years before he left the Seattle Seahawks. 

In the seven games he's played, he's gone 6-1 and has shown he can find ways to win. In the recent game against the Cleveland Browns, Wilson spread the ball out and was able to win, even without star receiver, George Pickens. 

Steelers Offensive Line Providing A Big Boost

Whitworth added that teams who really "nail it" with an offensive line consistently find themselves much better off than teams that haven't. He cited the Steelers and, in particular, the selection of Mason McCormick and Zach Frazier. 

He said they are showing they will be consistent performers on the line for years. The Steelers selected Frazier in the second round and McCormick in the fourth round in 2024. This comes after drafting Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu, both offensive tackles, with their first-round picks in 2023 and 2024 respectively. After years of underwhelming performances, they needed to get some better protection for their quarterback. 

Do you think the Steelers and Wilson can work out a contract for 2025? Click to comment below. 

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