The asking price for Rodgers is expected to be substantially higher than Wilson’s. Earlier reports suggested that Wilson was seeking around $27 million per year, some reports were even higher than that, but that number has shifted as the offseason has gone on. Wilson’s market has been difficult to gauge, with teams hesitant to commit to him. Despite his public interest in staying with the Steelers, the lack of movement on a contract has opened the door for other teams to enter the conversation.
Wilson has reportedly met with the Cleveland Browns as he explores opportunities beyond Pittsburgh. According to Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland, Wilson is now asking for somewhere between $20 million and $30 million per year.
That price point could still make him an attractive option for teams looking for a veteran quarterback, but it also raises questions about how serious the Steelers are about bringing him back — especially with their focus shifting toward a blockbuster pursuit of Rodgers.
Wilson recently met with both the Browns and the New York Giants as he explores potential landing spots outside of Pittsburgh. While it doesn’t appear that either team is ready to offer him a deal at this point, anything could change as the offseason develops.
The Browns, in particular, have a complicated quarterback situation after trading for former Steelers first-round pick Kenny Pickett. With Deshaun Watson battling injuries and inconsistency, Pickett will have an opportunity to compete for the starting job in Cleveland.
Ironically, Pickett forced his way out of Pittsburgh after the Steelers signed Wilson ahead of the 2024 season. He reportedly felt betrayed by Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and asked for a trade, ultimately landing with the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, Pickett could get his chance at redemption with the Browns — the same team that might still pursue Wilson for 2025.
If Cleveland were to bring Wilson in, it could once again derail Pickett’s plans and set up an even more dramatic storyline between the two quarterbacks and the Steelers.
The Giants, meanwhile, gave backup-level money to Jameis Winston, signaling uncertainty at the quarterback position. While Winston may fill the backup role, New York still seems undecided about their starter for 2025. Like the Browns, the Giants hold a premium draft pick — third overall — and could use that selection on a quarterback. However, both the Browns and Giants could also pivot toward acquiring one of the big-name veterans still available, with Wilson and Rodgers at the top of that list.
Steelers Free Agent Russell Wilson Doesn't Have Much Leverage Anymore
One thing to keep in mind is that Wilson’s price tag could keep moving depending on how the Rodgers situation plays out. If the Steelers land Rodgers, Wilson might have to lower his asking price even further or accept a one-year "prove-it" deal somewhere else.
He’s clearly trying to find a starting job, but with teams like the Browns and Giants holding top draft picks, they might not want to commit to a veteran for more than a year. Wilson could easily find himself stuck waiting until after the draft to see if teams strike out on a rookie quarterback and circle back to him.
It also wouldn’t be surprising if the Steelers quietly kept the door open for Wilson while chasing Rodgers. If they miss out on Rodgers, bringing Wilson back on a short, team-friendly deal might be their backup plan.
But even then, it feels like the trust has eroded between the two sides. Wilson has made it clear he wants to be in Pittsburgh, but the longer this drags on, the more it seems like the Steelers are ready to move on. At this point, Wilson is still chasing a starting job — whether that’s in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, New York, or somewhere completely unexpected.
