Steelers Definitely Did Not Burn Bridges With Russell Wilson Yet: "He's Just Sitting There Waiting"

What do the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Minnesota Vikings have in common? They are all caught in the vortex of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers and the Giants have reportedly made their offers, while the Vikings haven't decided if they want to. For his part, Rodgers hasn't said what he wants to do either, and some insiders speculate that he could retire. As this situation continues, former Steelers starting quarterback, Russell Wilson, is also on standby. 

At the end of the 2024 season, the Steelers brass was adamant that they wanted to roll out 2025 by bringing back Wilson or Justin Fields. Regardless of why, the Steelers were unable to work out a deal with Fields and don't seem to be as keen on Wilson as they were midway through 2024. Wilson stated that he wanted to stay in Pittsburgh and that he planned to retire with the black and gold. 

However, when Rodgers appeared to emerge as the team's favorite, he began to shop himself around. There were reports that he met with the Cleveland Browns and the Giants, but didn't finalize a deal with either team. Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show told the crew on The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan that he believes Wilson is just waiting to see what happens with Pittsburgh. 

"With Russell going to Cleveland and now New York without a contract, he's just sitting there waiting," said Kaboly. "He's waiting for Aaron Rodgers to say no so he can swoop in here. That's all the indications in the world to me."

Show co-host Adam Crowley told Kaboly that he assumed the bridges between Wilson and the Steelers would have been burned. He also suggested that Wilson would be so upset at being passed over that he would hold the Steelers over a barrel if they call.  

"I don't think the bridges are burned," answered Kaboly. "The bridges are burned until you really need him. You're only as good as your options. What are his other options? The 3-14 Giants or the 0-17 Browns? If you want any chance to win as a 37-year-old quarterback, you better not be going there, especially when potentially the Giants are going to draft a quarterback in the first round. Do you want to put up with that? His best case for him professionally would be to return here."

The idea that the Steelers present the most ideal situation for these quarterbacks has come up frequently. The Browns were 3-14 in 2024, just like the Giants, and they have seen their quarterback struggles escalate ever since they traded for Deshaun Watson. Similarly, the Giants had Daniel Jones on an enormous contract that may be one of the worst in that franchise's history. The Vikings already have their franchise quarterback on their roster in J.J. McCarthy, and the Giants are looking to draft one. This means that whoever plays there will likely be looking over their shoulder. 

While fans in the Steel City are upset at the team's nearly decade-long lack of postseason success, it is impossible to deny that Pittsburgh is a more stable franchise than the others mentioned. The Steelers seem to make it to the playoffs nearly every year; they just need their next quarterback to help push them across the finish line.  

Steelers Might Have To Go With Mason Rudolph

Kaboly was asked what would happen if Rodgers went to the Vikings and Wilson went to the Browns or Giants. He said he could see the team forging ahead with Mason Rudolph. 

Rudolph and the team that drafted him parted ways after 2023, but now he is back on a two-year contract. While Kaboly doesn't think Rudolph gives them the best chance at a postseason run, he does think Rudolph could get the team nine or 10 wins. He also believes that Rudolph could help develop a young quarterback who would eventually take over for him.  

Do you think Wilson is waiting on the Steelers? Tell us what you think below!

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