On January 4th, the Pittsburgh Steelers entered their week 18 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals with a chance to secure the fifth seed in the AFC playoff picture. With everything to prove after a three-game losing streak, this game could have allowed the Steelers to build momentum heading into the postseason. Instead, Pittsburgh fell flat, with quarterback Russell Wilson raising serious questions about his future with the team.
Wilson’s play in the first half was emblematic of the Steelers’ offensive struggles. The team was stagnant, producing little against a divisional opponent desperate for a win. Wilson finished the first half with just 45 passing yards and, shockingly, zero yards to star receiver George Pickens. His inability to connect with Pickens was concerning.
The offensive line also struggled to provide adequate protection, but Wilson’s performance reflected more than just external factors—it highlighted deeper concerns with his decision-making and timing.
The second half saw a similar lack of urgency and poor execution from Wilson. The Steelers had a chance to mount a comeback, but Wilson’s poor clock management and mobility on the final drive effectively sealed the loss. On a crucial fourth-and-12 play, he missed an opportunity to convert, throwing an incomplete pass under pressure and leaving the Steelers’ playoff hopes in jeopardy.
Steelers must make wise financial decision at QB in 2025
With the 2025 season on the horizon and Wilson set to become a free agent, the Steelers front office now faces tough questions about his future in Pittsburgh. After one year with the team, Wilson has failed to demonstrate the elite-level play that once made him a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. The offensive issues that plagued the Steelers in 2023 remain unresolved, and there is little sign of improvement.
Given Wilson’s underwhelming performance and the looming uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position, the Steelers may be inclined to explore other options, including the potential promotion of Justin Fields, who could step in as the starter in 2025. However, it would be premature to write off Wilson’s return.
If the Steelers decide to bring him back for another year, they must ensure that any new contract reflects the realities of his decline. Wilson is no longer the top-tier quarterback he once was, and his contract must reflect his current status in the league.
As Pittsburgh heads into the New Year, the organization faces a crucial decision: whether to continue investing in Wilson or turn the page to a new era at quarterback. The 2025 season may hinge on that decision.
