The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation for the 2025 offseason just got a bit more interesting after some more coaching carousel news came out on Friday. Pete Carroll has agreed to become the next head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, which is obviously significant considering he was Russell Wilson's head coach throughout the duration of his time with the Seattle Seahawks. The Steelers and Wilson have been rumored to have begun the conversation about a new contract, but if that doesn't work out, the veteran quarterback is scheduled to be a free agent.
Wilson has expressed his desire to remain in Pittsburgh throughout the rest of his career, but he can now probably see himself playing for the Raiders with his former head coach taking the job in Las Vegas. It is hard to imagine any team other than the Steelers seeking out Wilson's services for 2025 after the way he ended the 2024 season in Pittsburgh, but with Carroll taking over in Las Vegas, that can be a realistic landing spot. NFL insider Tom Pelissero shared his thoughts on the matter on The Rich Eisen Show.
"I think that's a real consideration here," Pelissero said. "Because I think that on the outside looking in everybody said, 'Where is Russ gonna go besides Pittsburgh?' In other words, who's gonna pay him because there's really no market for his services. Well, now you got a coach in Pete Carroll who's been with him."
There is some obvious familiarity between Carroll and Wilson, and the Raiders are in desperate need of a quarterback. Aidan O'Connell has played better than most probably think, but it is clear the organization needs an upgrade at the position. Wilson could provide that upgrade for Las Vegas, while the Steelers search for a younger option at quarterback.
Wilson's time in Seattle didn't end on the best of terms. Things got a bit rocky before he was traded away to the Denver Broncos. It is clear he has since mended his relationship with Carroll, and the two still stay in touch. Wilson spoke about his relationship with his former coach on The Pat McAfee Show, and it seemed as though he would be open to the idea of reuniting.
"I think Pete's an amazing football coach, I think he is an amazing individual," Wilson said. "We've always stayed in touch. I went to see him after Coach Carroll got let go from Seattle. We spent a lot of time there, and we flew back in and just spent a lot of time with him."
The two clearly have a great relationship, and Las Vegas now seems like a likely landing spot for Wilson should he not agree to a new deal with the Steelers. Pittsburgh could decide to bring back Justin Fields instead, or go a completely different route at the quarterback position. Wilson also spoke about how he and the Steelers have apparently already begun speaking about a new deal. This would certainly upset some of the fan base, as the veteran quarterback didn't end the year on the best note.
Steelers Need To Part Ways With Russell Wilson In 2025
Pittsburgh needs to find direction as a franchise, and planning to start a 36-year old quarterback is not how you do that. The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and Pittsburgh needs to take the necessary steps towards finding its quarterback of the future. That could be Fields, but the Steelers will never know unless they give him an actual chance and sign him to a new deal.
Wilson could wait until free agency opens to test the waters, and if he does, the Steelers could end up in a bidding war. If the Raiders actually have interest Pittsburgh needs to let him walk and focus on the future of the position.
Where do you want Wilson to play in 2025?
