Russell Wilson Trade Rumors Surge—Inside the Broncos Star’s Possible Next Move

Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson may be preparing for his second one-year stint in as many seasons, but the bigger story is where he’ll be taking his next snap—and how the Pittsburgh Steelers plan to move forward without him. According to multiple national reports, the Steelers are expected to make Justin Fields their 2025 priority, leaving Wilson poised to test free agency once again. Why Pittsburgh Is Ready to Move On Wilson’s 2024 campaign in black and gold delivered mixed returns: an 8-5 record as starter, 3,389 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. While the veteran’s deep-ball accuracy re-energized a stagnant offense, inconsistencies on third down and a late-season swoon convinced GM Omar Khan that the long-term answer probably lies elsewhere. ESPN notes that neither Wilson nor Fields is under contract for 2025, but Pittsburgh’s staff views the 25-year-old Fields as the more expandable option for a multi-year rebuild. Potential Landing Spots for Wilson 1. New York Giants – Brian Daboll’s offense still lacks a proven starter, and Wilson’s experience could serve as a one-year bridge while the franchise evaluates its next draft pick. 2. Las Vegas Raiders – A reunion with former coach Pete Carroll has been floated, as the Raiders search for a stop-gap veteran with playoff pedigree. 3. Atlanta Falcons – If Kirk Cousins’ recovery lingers, Atlanta could pivot to a short-term insurance policy. Impact on Steelers’ Draft Strategy Letting Wilson walk frees roughly $21 million in cap space, increasing Pittsburgh’s flexibility to package picks for a 2025 first-round quarterback—or to bolster a secondary that ranked 27th against the pass. Sports Illustrated warns that Wilson’s potential departure could actually hurt those plans if compensatory-pick formulas change following a hefty free-agent contract elsewhere. Market Value and Contract Projection At age 36, Wilson is unlikely to replicate the five-year, $245 million deal he signed in Denver. League insiders believe a one- or two-year contract worth $18-$24 million annually—similar to recent deals for Baker Mayfield—will define his market. Key variables: • 2024 passer rating above 95.0 • Proven durability (started 16 games in five of last six seasons) • Leadership résumé: 11 playoff wins, 1 Super Bowl ring What Wilson Still Brings • Deep-ball precision: 40 completions of 20+ yards in 2024 (t-6th NFL) • Mobility: 362 rushing yards, six rushing TDs last season • Locker-room gravitas: praised by Mike Tomlin for “unmatched preparation” Timeline to Watch Feb 18 – Franchise-tag window opens; Steelers unlikely to tag Wilson Mar 12 – Legal tampering period; Wilson’s camp free to negotiate Mar 14 – New league year; official signings begin Bottom Line The Russell Wilson sweepstakes are about to define the early 2025 NFL offseason. As Pittsburgh pivots toward Justin Fields and future draft capital, Wilson instantly becomes the most accomplished quarterback on the open market—one whose next decision will ripple across quarterback rooms from the Meadowlands to Las Vegas. For fans and fantasy managers alike, buckle up: the Russell Wilson rumor mill is only just hitting top speed.