Russell Wilson will celebrate his 36th birthday next week, marking a pivotal moment in his career as he continues to establish himself as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite not being recognized among the elite quarterbacks in the league recently, the 13-year veteran has gained momentum with his new team, leading to discussions about a potential contract extension.
The Steelers have prioritized Wilson since his acquisition, demonstrating their commitment to him by downplaying speculation around other quarterbacks, including Justin Fields. Although the Steelers maintain a long-standing policy against in-season contract negotiations, they may need to make strategic decisions in the upcoming offseason, especially with Wilson and Fields both entering free agency.
After starting the season a bit unevenly due to a calf injury, Wilson has since regained his health and maintained a perfect 4-0 record since taking the field. With impressive stats, including an average of 7.8 yards per attempt, and a total of six touchdown passes against only two interceptions, Wilson has shown glimpses of his former self. While there’s still a lot to unpack from his brief stint and small sample size, the Steelers are cautiously optimistic about his performance.
As the team looks to the future, the interplay between Wilson’s age and experience and the rising expectations for quarterback play will shape their approach—especially since they haven’t enjoyed consistent quality at the position since Ben Roethlisberger’s injury in 2019. The decisions made in the 2025 offseason will be crucial, as the Steelers navigate the negotiation landscape while hoping to secure a favorable deal for Wilson.
Looking ahead, Wilson remains in a unique position to either reinforce his status as a starting quarterback or culminate a renewed chapter in Pittsburgh. With various factors at play, including the Steelers’ playoff performance and the expansive quarterback market, it will be interesting to see how both Wilson and the franchise adapt and evolve.
Ultimately, as Wilson continues to demonstrate that he can lead the team successfully, the Steelers and their fans can remain hopeful that this partnership might just re-establish a strong quarterback presence in Pittsburgh.