The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the market for a veteran quarterback this offseason, and while there are several external options available, one option for them is to just reunite with Russell Wilson. However, a key development in his relationship with head coach Mike Tomlin could prevent that from happening.
The Steelers made it clear heading into the offseason that they wanted to re-sign either Wilson or Justin Fields at the quarterback spot. Fields ended up signing with the New York Jets on a two-year, $40 million contract, though, and Wilson is taking free agent visits with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants as he weighs his options.
"Sources: Free-agent QB Russell Wilson is scheduled to fly tonight to Cleveland to visit with the Browns on Thursday, before being scheduled to fly to New York on Thursday night to visit Friday with the Giants," Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Wednesday.
Initially, it seemed like Tomlin's relationship with Wilson could give Pittsburgh the inside track to bring him back to town. That may not end up being the case, as reports indicate that the relationship between Tomlin and Wilson is not what it once was, which could spell bad news for the Steelers.
"I don't believe it's where it was before the season, or even early December, when Russ was still playing good football," a longtime league executive told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. "I just don't."
In 11 games for Pittsburgh as their starting QB last season, Wilson threw for 2,482 yards and 16 touchdowns, helping lead the team to the postseason for the fourth time in the past five seasons. However, his play declined down the stretch, and eventually contributed to the Steelers losing their wild card game against the Baltimore Ravens.
