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Russ Wilson has officially moved on. After weeks of speculation, the veteran quarterback won’t be returning to the Steel City for another season. Instead, Wilson has inked a one-year, $21 million deal with the New York Giants — a move that significantly bolsters their QB room while seemingly leaving Pittsburgh in a bind.
But does this departure actually hurt the Steelers as much as it appears?
The team’s front office — including owner Art Rooney II and GM Omar Khan — had publicly stated their priority was retaining either Wilson or Justin Fields for 2025. Yet somehow, they’ve lost both quarterbacks to other teams. Fields joined the Jets while Wilson headed to the Big Apple. For an organization that supposedly made re-signing these QBs a top priority, the lack of urgency is baffling.
Behind the scenes, there’s been plenty of chatter about friction between Wilson and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Looking at Smith’s history as Tennessee’s OC, his preference for mobile quarterbacks and run-heavy schemes becomes obvious — making Fields the more natural fit for his system.
Head coach Mike Tomlin, however, reportedly favored Wilson’s veteran presence and experience.
Divided leadership rarely works in football.
The decision to hire Smith as offensive coordinator essentially sealed Wilson’s fate from the beginning. Smith’s system simply doesn’t maximize Wilson’s strengths — especially considering Russ’s declining mobility in recent years. This fundamental mismatch created a situation where success was always going to be limited.
Even if the Steelers genuinely wanted Wilson back (as they claimed), what’s the point of maintaining a relationship where your QB and OC aren’t on the same page? That’s a recipe for disaster in a league where offensive cohesion is everything.
Did Pittsburgh’s Late-Season Collapse Drive Wilson Away?
The Steelers’ historic meltdown last season can’t be ignored in this equation. After sitting pretty at 10-3 in December and leading the AFC North, Pittsburgh limped to a 10-7 finish and suffered another embarrassing first-round playoff exit to Baltimore — completing a five-game losing skid when it mattered most.
That collapse deserves serious examination. Was it coaching? Scheduling? Player execution? All three contributed, but Wilson’s performance down the stretch raised serious concerns.
When Wilson first took over after his early-season injury, he looked rejuvenated. The offense clicked, the passing game opened up, and Steelers fans were celebrating the arrival of “vintage Russ.” Then came the bye week — and everything changed.
The post-bye Wilson managed just four touchdowns against two interceptions, fumbled five times, and took 14 sacks — many self-inflicted as he held the ball too long. The quarterback who once made magic with his legs looked increasingly immobile and indecisive in crucial moments.
So where do the Steelers go from here? Their quarterback options have suddenly narrowed considerably. Mason Rudolph remains available. Aaron Rodgers visited Pittsburgh but hasn’t committed. The draft offers possibilities but no guarantees.
The next few weeks will be critical for the Steelers’ 2025 plans. Landing Rodgers would allow them to focus their draft strategy elsewhere — but they shouldn’t count on the notoriously particular future Hall of Famer choosing Pittsburgh.
For a franchise known for stability, the Steelers suddenly find themselves in quarterback limbo — a situation that could have been avoided with clearer organizational alignment between the front office, coaching staff, and offensive philosophy.
