Has Russell Wilson earned a contract?

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

Here’s why I wouldn’t break the bank on Russ.
Sam Darnold, Jamies Winston, Russ Wilson, Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, Drew Lock, Kyle Trask.

There’s going to be free agents to be had. I would take Wilson probably second to Darnold but I would take Fields for 15 million over Russ for 45. I can keep GP and maybe Harris with an extra 30 million.

I agreed with darnold. But you lost me with fields. He don't have it

 

[str8liner]

I get the love for Wilson right now but he is 36 don't forget.

How can they pay someone that old the kind of money he is going to demand if they make a run in the playoffs?

They can't. Or should I say they shouldn't.

 

[SteelerFan448]

I get the love for Wilson right now but he is 36 don't forget.

How can they pay someone that old the kind of money he is going to demand if they make a run in the playoffs?

They can't. Or should I say they shouldn't.

Well, you can fully expect the type of team we'll have if they sign a cheaper option (including Fields).

 

[slashsteel]

Well, you can fully expect the type of team we'll have if they sign a cheaper option (including Fields).

Exactly if you are shooting for the sky you don’t downgrade a position. Would not make any sense on a team competing for a SB.

 

[Steelmann]

Here’s why I wouldn’t break the bank on Russ.
Sam Darnold, Jamies Winston, Russ Wilson, Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, Drew Lock, Kyle Trask.

There’s going to be free agents to be had. I would take Wilson probably second to Darnold but I would take Fields for 15 million over Russ for 45. I can keep GP and maybe Harris with an extra 30 million.

Of your examples there,I mean seriously. They do not have a starter under contract. So you would actually consider having Kyle Trask,Drew Lock,Zack Wilson, Justin Fields or Jameis Winston as our starter signed for next year? Surprised you didn’t put Colin Kaepernick on your list. There’s also a QB in Tennessee that will no doubt be available. Thank god you are not in charge of finding any QB.

The way Sam Darnold is playing with Minnesota,I am very sure someone will offer him a very good contract. He is after all 27 years old. And I am quite sure the Vikings will do their best to retain him. He will cost.

So for me it’s a what have you done lately for me league. If Russell Wilson keeps on his pace for the rest of the season,how can you not offer him a starter’s contract for 2 years?
I’m not saying break the bank obviously. But he’s earned it. Just like Cam earns next season contract as well. It also sends a good message. The best scenario for me is somehow finding a young gun with great potential to sit and learn for a year or two while Russ starts. Justin Fields might not want to do that at this stage of his career.

 

[Avoid_Lloyd]

Of your examples there,I mean seriously. They do not have a starter under contract. So you would actually consider having Kyle Trask,Drew Lock,Zack Wilson, Justin Fields or Jameis Winston as our starter signed for next year? Surprised you didn’t put Colin Kaepernick on your list. There’s also a QB in Tennessee that will no doubt be available. Thank god you are not in charge of finding any QB.

The way Sam Darnold is playing with Minnesota,I am very sure someone will offer him a very good contract. He is after all 27 years old. And I am quite sure the Vikings will do their best to retain him. He will cost.

So for me it’s a what have you done lately for me league. If Russell Wilson keeps on his pace for the rest of the season,how can you not offer him a starter’s contract for 2 years?
I’m not saying break the bank obviously. But he’s earned it. Just like Cam earns next season contract as well. It also sends a good message. The best scenario for me is somehow finding a young gun with great potential to sit and learn for a year or two while Russ starts. Justin Fields might not want to do that at this stage of his career.

I agree with almost everything here, only disagreement is the whole notion of getting the “big potential” guy is fools gold more than not. If we want long term stability and production at QB the cost is a first round draft pick-of course you can draft a bust and that sucks, but the odds of finding your long term franchise QB in free agency or outside of round 1 is low. Russ is good now and deserves a 2-3 year extension but obviously not the long term answer. Would love to see this addressed in 2026 when the draft is in Pittsburgh and hear the crowd roar when it’s announced we’re moving up in the 1st round to get our guy

 

[Steelmann]

I agree with almost everything here, only disagreement is the whole notion of getting the “big potential” guy is fools gold more than not. If we want long term stability and production at QB the cost is a first round draft pick-of course you can draft a bust and that sucks, but the odds of finding your long term franchise QB in free agency or outside of round 1 is low. Russ is good now and deserves a 2-3 year extension but obviously not the long term answer. Would love to see this addressed in 2026 when the draft is in Pittsburgh and hear the crowd roar when it’s announced we’re moving up in the 1st round to get our guy

I’ve said it more than once on here. If the guy you like at QB is in the first round you have to pull the trigger. If not….the following year. Etc. Whether you sign Russ or not.
it’s why I wasn’t too upset when they drafted Kenny. They needed a QB and they had to take a shot at what they believed was the best QB in the draft. Unfortunately it didn’t work out. As many don’t. The”big potential guy” can be a first rounder.

 

[bigben]

And perhaps most importantly, the Steelers are averaging nearly 30 points per game since he took over.

He's playing exceptionally well, as even his so-called bad starts against the Ravens and Browns were nowhere near bad as many claim. He still looked like Joe Montana in those games compared to what we saw from Pickett and Trubisky in recent years.

According to DK's podcast last night, the Steelers were so confident that Russ still had this left in him that they were considering signing him to a new contract before the season.

If there's any truth to that in the context of how well he has played, it seems almost a certainty they are going to do whatever they can to re-sign him for a couple more seasons.

Anything beyond two years would be too risky, given his age, but they might be willing to give Russ close to market value per year.

Ideally, they're able draft a decent QB prospect within the first few rounds in either 2025 or 2026 to sit, learn and hopefully develop behind Russ for a year or two.

The Browns game was a snow game too, kind of muddies the waters. Wilson has elevated every pass catcher we have.

 

[FordFairLane]

You ultimately get what you pay for.

They're not winning a Superbowl with Fields, while they have a shot with Russ.

Re-signing Russ isn't going to be the determining factor in them keeping Pickens or Harris, as Russ isn't signing long-term like Pickens or Harris would be.

The Steelers can make it work cap wise for a couple seasons.

Russ isn’t winning a Super Bowl without GP and Harris either. So there’s that.

 

[FordFairLane]

I agreed with darnold. But you lost me with fields. He don't have it

He was having a much better season this year than in past years. I would rather have GP, Harris and Fields vs Russ. I can always use Fields as a stop gap to a QB who won’t be pressured to start year one. And win a lot of games. Fields was on pace for 3200 passing yards, 800 rushing yards, 28 total touchdowns, with less than 3 turnovers.

 

[FordFairLane]

Of your examples there,I mean seriously. They do not have a starter under contract. So you would actually consider having Kyle Trask,Drew Lock,Zack Wilson, Justin Fields or Jameis Winston as our starter signed for next year? Surprised you didn’t put Colin Kaepernick on your list. There’s also a QB in Tennessee that will no doubt be available. Thank god you are not in charge of finding any QB.

Yes. If Russ, again, tries to break the bank I move on to other options. Trask in preseason has looked good. He and Baker were neck and neck but Baker got the nod because of his experience. I’m not going to put all my eggs in the trask basket but I feel an opportunity might get him pretty cheap. Pair him with Fields, Winston, or Wilson and a draft pick and see who comes out on top. Oh, and in that scenario I have GP, Harris and perhaps a decent free agent.

The way Sam Darnold is playing with Minnesota,I am very sure someone will offer him a very good contract. He is after all 27 years old. And I am quite sure the Vikings will do their best to retain him. He will cost.

Vikings won’t. And it’s like you didn’t even read what I said.

So for me it’s a what have you done lately for me league. If Russell Wilson keeps on his pace for the rest of the season,how can you not offer him a starter’s contract for 2 years?

Does that mean he’ll sign for what the Steelers offer? He might like the culture, team, coaching and after Denver take a reasonable contract for happiness. Or he tries to cash in. If it’s the latter I’m moving on.

I’m not saying break the bank obviously. But he’s earned it. Just like Cam earns next season contract as well. It also sends a good message. The best scenario for me is somehow finding a young gun with great potential to sit and learn for a year or two while Russ starts. Justin Fields might not want to do that at this stage of his career.

So now you don’t want to sign Russ?

 

[Lloyd]

I get the love for Wilson right now but he is 36 don't forget.

How can they pay someone that old the kind of money he is going to demand if they make a run in the playoffs?

They can't. Or should I say they shouldn't.

It depends how they end the season: If they end up making the playoffs and winning a game? He could fetch a mid-level contract with Pgh. Nothing in the $50 mill a year range.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

He was having a much better season this year than in past years. I would rather have GP, Harris and Fields vs Russ. I can always use Fields as a stop gap to a QB who won’t be pressured to start year one. And win a lot of games. Fields was on pace for 3200 passing yards, 800 rushing yards, 28 total touchdowns, with less than 3 turnovers.

Thats what im saying where we differ. Fields looked limited in what he was allowed to do. But he was also limited by what he was unable to do. Make 2nd and 3rd reads. Nice wheels. Yes.. But russ is able to FIND the open man.

 

[Steelmann]

Vikings won’t. And it’s like you didn’t even read what I said

Vikings won’t try and sign Darnold? Really? Have you noticed their record? His last 5 TD game? Once again I’m sure I’ll be chuckling at your expense when they offer him a contract.

“There’s going to be free agents to be had. I would take Wilson probably second to Darnold” was your quote.
So obviously I did read what you wrote.
I was simply pointing out that I think Darnold will cost big bucks. And that Minnesota will try to retain him. You disagree,that’s fine. As your preferred QB according to your own words,what would you be comfortable paying?

So now you don’t want to sign Russ?

Perhaps you are the one that didn’t read what I said.
I specifically said” not breaking the bank obviously “. So no….like any sane person,responsible person,I would not sign Russ at all costs. The deal has to make sense. I love how you try and twist my last paragraph to that.
Fortunately this all lands on Omar Kahn….not you or I.

 

[slashsteel]

Thats what im saying where we differ. Fields looked limited in what he was allowed to do. But he was also limited by what he was unable to do. Make 2nd and 3rd reads. Nice wheels. Yes.. But russ is able to FIND the open man.

Wilson is light years better than Fields. There is a reason the rats haven’t won with Action Jackson the big one. It is because he isn’t a pure passer. Neither is Fields. Those kinds of QBs can put up statistics and bring you regular season wins. But in the playoffs they will slow your run, you better be able to pass it all over the field and accurately.

Russ brings that to the team and the team knows it,it is why they made the switch when Russ was healthy they know their odds of winning anything significant go up with him at the helm.

I know we would love Fields to develop. Just not sure he will get to that 2nd third read option. It isn’t leaning that way for sure.

 

[Lloyd]

I agree with almost everything here, only disagreement is the whole notion of getting the “big potential” guy is fools gold more than not. If we want long term stability and production at QB the cost is a first round draft pick-of course you can draft a bust and that sucks, but the odds of finding your long term franchise QB in free agency or outside of round 1 is low. Russ is good now and deserves a 2-3 year extension but obviously not the long term answer. Would love to see this addressed in 2026 when the draft is in Pittsburgh and hear the crowd roar when it’s announced we’re moving up in the 1st round to get our guy

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1154515-10-best-late-round-qb-selections-in-nfl-draft-history

Some of these are the exception to the rule. Brunell was easily one of the most underrated QBs to make the list, a 5th rounder who could move and throw a great long ball. He used to drive me nuts as QB of the Jags. Rich Gannon had some good years as a Raider. Rypien let it rip as a 6th rounder, SB winner under Gibbs. Of course Brady is the ultimate latter QB draft pick taken in the 6th. It's rare but some later picks do fine.

 

[FordFairLane]

Thats what im saying where we differ. Fields looked limited in what he was allowed to do. But he was also limited by what he was unable to do. Make 2nd and 3rd reads. Nice wheels. Yes.. But russ is able to FIND the open man.

Why do we differ? I’m one of the few that said start Russ over Justin win healthy. I on the other hand can see the big picture. Big picture includes cap space resigning other players and free agents. You on the other hand see what is 2 inches in front of your face.

Im hungover and tired AF. 4 hrs sleep. Was a poorly played game. Russel wilson can gtfo at seasons end. And take najee with him

 

[Lloyd]

Yes. If Russ, again, tries to break the bank I move on to other options. Trask in preseason has looked good. He and Baker were neck and neck but Baker got the nod because of his experience. I’m not going to put all my eggs in the trask basket but I feel an opportunity might get him pretty cheap. Pair him with Fields, Winston, or Wilson and a draft pick and see who comes out on top. Oh, and in that scenario I have GP, Harris and perhaps a decent free agent.


Vikings won’t. And it’s like you didn’t even read what I said.

Does that mean he’ll sign for what the Steelers offer? He might like the culture, team, coaching and after Denver take a reasonable contract for happiness. Or he tries to cash in. If it’s the latter I’m moving on.

So now you don’t want to sign Russ?

Russ is most-likely due a modest contract, I don't see anyone reaching out with a big QB deal. But if RW wants "all the $" for his next deal, I walk. Of course if he wins a playoff game and contends for another, it would up things a bit but still not other worldly. I wouldn't sign him for top 5 QB $. Not even top 10. Maybe top 15.

 

[FordFairLane]

Vikings won’t try and sign Darnold? Really? Have you noticed their record? His last 5 TD game? Once again I’m sure I’ll be chuckling at your expense when they offer him a contract.

They won’t sign him. JJ looked good last year before his injury. They might throw an offer but it won’t be what he can get in the open market. And by staying he will be one bad game away from being yanked for JJ.

So, they won’t.

Edited:
Just saw this on twitter.

https://x.com/adamschefter/status/1865729857306390656?s=46&t=ZuxQqtEnM9ItmlxOIWOy9A

“There’s going to be free agents to be had. I would take Wilson probably second to Darnold” was your quote.
So obviously I did read what you wrote.
I was simply pointing out that I think Darnold will cost big bucks. And that Minnesota will try to retain him. You disagree,that’s fine. As your preferred QB according to your own words,what would you be comfortable paying?

They won’t resign him.

Perhaps you are the one that didn’t read what I said.
I specifically said” not breaking the bank obviously “. So no….like any sane person,responsible person,I would not sign Russ at all costs. The deal has to make sense. I love how you try and twist my last paragraph to that.
Fortunately this all lands on Omar Kahn….not you or I.

So you are arguing with me because you are agreeing with me…

 

[FordFairLane]

Russ is most-likely due a modest contract, I don't see anyone reaching out with a big QB deal. But if RW wants "all the $" for his next deal, I walk. Of course if he wins a playoff game and contends for another, it would up things a bit but still not other worldly. I wouldn't sign him for top 5 QB $. Not even top 10. Maybe top 15.

Yep. That’s all I am saying. If it’s either Russ by himself or Fields, George and Najee I’m taking the latter every time.

 

[Lloyd]

Yep. That’s all I am saying. If it’s either Russ by himself or Fields, George and Najee I’m taking the latter every time.

Fields is a decent back up, but that's it. You don't start your season PLANNING on him being your starter, just no.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

Why do we differ? I’m one of the few that said start Russ over Justin win healthy. I on the other hand can see the big picture. Big picture includes cap space resigning other players and free agents. You on the other hand see what is 2 inches in front of your face.

Put the ******* gun away. I wasnt talking about salaries. Wilson might get the same kinda deal mayfield got. Idont ******* know. You listed some options to wilson such as darnold ,,, (which i agree with) and you listed fields which i do not. Thats how we differ. holy sh1t balls.

 

[madinsomniac]

Russ is most-likely due a modest contract, I don't see anyone reaching out with a big QB deal. But if RW wants "all the $" for his next deal, I walk. Of course if he wins a playoff game and contends for another, it would up things a bit but still not other worldly. I wouldn't sign him for top 5 QB $. Not even top 10. Maybe top 15.

Top 15 money will be like 45 million dollars.. this year 40 million barely made #15... that isnt a discount deal...

 

[FordFairLane]

Fields is a decent back up, but that's it. You don't start your season PLANNING on him being your starter, just no.

And Wilson is 36 and will be 37 next year. Give him talent and he will continue to do great but you aren’t going to get much from him if he’s asked to carry the team. I mean there’s few quarterbacks who can. Ben was one and that’s just such a rare talent. Fields is not and that’s why i was onboard giving Wilson a shot at starting. But without GP Russ threw for 158 yards. He gets another chance this week but my guess is we are going to need more than the 120 on the ground last week to win this week. But maybe I’m wrong and Russ throws on his super man cape like Roethlisberger used to and chucks it for 333 with 4 tds throwing to NFL #3 or #4 caliber receivers.

 

[FordFairLane]

Put the ******* gun away. I wasnt talking about salaries. Wilson might get the same kinda deal mayfield got. Idont ******* know. You listed some options to wilson such as darnold ,,, (which i agree with) and you listed fields which i do not. Thats how we differ. holy sh1t balls.

And he might want 50+ million a season for 3-4 years with 150m guaranteed. That is why I said offer Russ a Baker type contract first. Then move on to Fields if Russ wants to cash in. I also said if I signed Fields I would sign another QB to compete. Doesn’t matter just someone of an NFL caliber talent. Trask, Zach Wilson, Daniel Jones, hell even Mason Rudolph. Someone who will at least compete. Then draft a guy that you can develop. We won’t draft early enough to get a top prospect so get a guy with some talent and let him sit a year at #3. Then next year he can move to #2. Then if he has shown something then let him compete for the starting spot. There’s guys like Nussmeier, Dart, Allar, Rourke etc who all have good upside but if declare shouldn’t go day 1.