The Russell Wilson era of Pittsburgh Steelers football is officially over.
There will be no awkward reconciliation between offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and the quarterback that gave wind to the Steelers’ playoff hopes and sank with the ship on a season-ending five-game losing streak. There will be no reunion between Wilson and his former battery mate, receiver DK Metcalf.
On Tuesday, Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million worth up to $21 million in incentives with the New York Giants. For New York, the contract locks in a starting quarterback, raises the floor of a roster entering a win-now season, and adds another potential mentor to the room.
For Pittsburgh, it’s merely a piece of good news in their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers.
The Steelers are the biggest winners of the Giants’ Wilson signing, although it isn’t because Rodgers and Wilson have meaningfully different projections for the coming season. Their (prospective) contracts should prove likewise. Both played like below-average quarterbacks, and neither is/was positioned to take Pittsburgh to the next level.
Not only does Wilson signing limit Rodgers’ options and help pave the path to Pittsburgh, it also opens the door for the Steelers to receive compensatory picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. In a recent chat, Brian Batko explained to readers how this could become a facet of future offseasons.
Steelers Ranked Biggest Winners in Giants Russell Wilson Signing
The Pittsburgh Steelers are better off with Russell Wilson signing with the New York Giants, even if they thought highly of him as a passer.
Anthony LicciardiMar 26, 2025 8:01 AM EDT
The Russell Wilson era of Pittsburgh Steelers football is officially over.
There will be no awkward reconciliation between offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and the quarterback that gave wind to the Steelers’ playoff hopes and sank with the ship on a season-ending five-game losing streak. There will be no reunion between Wilson and his former battery mate, receiver DK Metcalf.
On Tuesday, Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million worth up to $21 million in incentives with the New York Giants. For New York, the contract locks in a starting quarterback, raises the floor of a roster entering a win-now season, and adds another potential mentor to the room.
Justin Fields
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields (2), Russell Wilson (3)
For Pittsburgh, it’s merely a piece of good news in their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers.
The Steelers are the biggest winners of the Giants’ Wilson signing, although it isn’t because Rodgers and Wilson have meaningfully different projections for the coming season. Their (prospective) contracts should prove likewise. Both played like below-average quarterbacks, and neither is/was positioned to take Pittsburgh to the next level.
Not only does Wilson signing limit Rodgers’ options and help pave the path to Pittsburgh, it also opens the door for the Steelers to receive compensatory picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. In a recent chat, Brian Batko explained to readers how this could become a facet of future offseasons.
“Sure, I could see them robbing from that projected 2026 stash to pay themselves in the 2025 draft,” Batko wrote. “But they did that for Isaiahh Loudermilk once upon a time and we saw how that worked out. Good thing about working your way toward those comp picks is it does give you some flexibility/peace of mind for wheeling and dealing, though. My sense is this will become a staple of the Omar Khan GM regime. And finally, no, I wouldn’t say they absolutely need to double down on the DL. But it’d be nice.”
According to Over the Cap, Pittsburgh is currently projected for compensatory picks in Rounds 3, 4, 5, and 6 thanks to the signings of tackle Dan Moore Jr., quarterback Justin Fields, Wilson, and guard James Daniels. If Wilson fulfills his guarantees, that selection could turn into a third-rounder, too.
Rodgers’ presumed deal would likely play into this a bit, but the Steelers safely project for multiple compensatory picks, with Wilson’s to boot. That not only makes the 2026 class stronger, it adds potential ammunition for a trade up in April.
Fans may be split between Wilson and Rodgers, but would throwing in a fifth-round pick (with conditional upward mobility) move the needle?
Wilson made a decent case to return as the 2025 starter, but his role in finding the Steelers’ next quarterback – and potentially a long-term option – make his departure worthwhile.
Anthony Licciardi is an experienced writer and editor who loves scouting and analytics. He graduated from Rutgers University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies.
