Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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Russell Wilson Contract Extension: A good 2024 season set to raise Russell Wilson’s worth

Steelers' QB future: Wilson vs. Fields dilemma

The Pittsburgh Steelers are keen on securing quarterback Russell Wilson for the long term. According to Adam Schefter, the team is looking to sign Wilson to a contract extension this offseason. Wilson, 36, is currently playing on a one-year, $1.21 million veteran minimum deal. Schefter said, “They’d like to go ahead and keep Russell Wilson and re-sign him to keep him in Pittsburgh.”

Wilson’s contract situation in 2024

Wilson’s financial arrangement is unique. While the Steelers pay him $1.21 million, the Denver Broncos are covering $37.79 million of his salary. This stems from the five-year contract extension Wilson signed with Denver in 2022. After the Broncos cut him at the start of the 2024 league year, Pittsburgh picked him up for the veteran minimum.

Adam Schefter gives thoughts on future of Russell Wilson on GetUp! #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/YLP9cOzUyy
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) December 26, 2024

In total, Wilson is earning $39 million this year, ranking far from elite QB salaries due to the veteran minimum structure.

Contract breakdown:

Term: 1 year
Steelers’ contribution: $1.21 million
Broncos’ contribution: $37.79 million
Total: $39 million

The $1.21 million from the Steelers ties Wilson with Jaguars’ backup C.J. Beathard at 77th among NFL quarterbacks in 2024.

Wilson’s 2024 performance

In 10 starts for Pittsburgh, Wilson has thrown for 2,334 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions, completing 64.6% of his passes. He’s also added 139 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. The Steelers hold a 6-4 record with Wilson under center, keeping them in playoff contention.

Russell Wilson with an ELITE arm punt on Christmas Day 🎄
pic.twitter.com/PssI3DWNZQ
— Jay (@Jay__chiefs) December 25, 2024

However, questions remain about Wilson’s consistency. In a recent 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, he threw for just 205 yards with one interception. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin commented, “You gotta score more than 10 points against an outfit like that… it’s junior varsity, it’s not good enough.”

QB competition and future plans

Wilson’s veteran presence has provided stability, but the Steelers face tough decisions heading into 2025. Justin Fields, who also joined the Steelers this offseason, started the first six games before Wilson took over. Fields posted a 4-2 record, completing 65.8% of his passes for 1,106 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 1 interception.

Both Wilson and Fields will be free agents after this season. ESPN’s Cam Newton weighed in, saying, “You bring back Justin Fields though, and you develop him the right way. [Wilson] ain’t no spring chicken.”

Image: Imagn Images

Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson contract extension

Natasha Bose

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