Russell Wilson breaks silence on his future with Steelers after unceremonious Playoff exit

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson missed majority of the first half of the season due to a vclaf injury he picked up in the offseason.


Russell Wilson breaks silence on his future with Steelers after unceremonious Playoff exit

Russell Wilson (Image via Imago)

Following a season-ending playoff loss to AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson expressed unwavering commitment to returning to the team next season. The Steelers made their second straight playoffs in history while tying for the longest active postseason losing streak with six games.

In what might have been his final game as a Steeler, Wilson completed 20 of 29 pass attempts for 270 yards and two touchdowns, with most of his production coming in the second half. The 36-year-old quarterback is set to become a free agent once the offseason begins. Although his time in Pittsburgh ended on a rough note with the team losing five consecutive games, he remains one of the top quarterbacks expected to be available on the open market.

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In the postgame interview, Wilson acknowledged that the Steelers call was a blessing and he wishes to stay there as long as possible

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It’s been truly a blessing in my life, it’s been one of the best years for me personally to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, and obviously I hope I’m here and everything else. I trust God whenever that is. It’s a special, special place.

Russell Wilson said

This is not even the first time he has admitted that he would love to stay in the Pennsylvanian city. A few weeks ago, he stated that he hopes to stay in Pittsburgh when he was approached by a young fan who had the query about his future.

The Steelers signed Wilson to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum last March after the Denver Broncos released him, taking on $85 million in dead money. He suffered a calf injury early in training camp, which he later aggravated, keeping him out until Week 7.

However, he quickly made up for lost time, guiding Pittsburgh to a 6-1 record in his first seven starts. Wilson finished the regular season with 2,482 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions.

Russell Wilson probably might need to shift his base once again

The Pittsburgh Steelers have many options other than the veteran one-time champion Russell Wilson as they head into one of the crucial offseason in their history. The Steelers has been one of the most consistent squads with no losing records for the almost two decades.

However, that hasn’t translated into championships. The Wilson and Justin Fields free agent rotational plan also failed miserably after showing promise in the early half of the season.

Russell Wilson (Image via Imago)

Tim Hasselback, a former NFL quarterback expressed that the Steelers should move on from Wilson. In an episode from the ESPN SportsCenter, Hasselback admitted that Wilson played better than expectations but it wasn’t enough.

I think you have to look elsewhere. Russell Wilson had a good year, played better than I thought that he would play this season, but he’s 36 years old and you’re in a division with Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson. So, like the reality is, as well as Russell Wilson played, you have to find a way to become more dynamic, to be better, to be more explosive, consistently.

Tim Hasselback said

Russell Wilson is partly blameable for the bad mojo that finished the season on a negative note. He had been careless in passing and getting the ball to the wide receivers. However, it is not said that Wilson was the sole reason – there has been significant drawbacks in the offense including George Pickens Week 18 camaraderie and play calling mishaps.

The advent of strong and young QBs like Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson in the same division exerts a pressure on Wilson and the Steelers. While Wilson maybe playing good, the Steelers will need to find the franchise quarterback in a more strong candidate.

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