NFL Rumors: How Russell Wilson’s Free Agency Visit With NFC Team Went

Quarterback Russell Wilson hasn’t officially parted ways with the Pittsburgh Steelers yet, but the 13-year veteran is exploring all potential avenues this offseason.

Wilson became an unrestricted free agent after spending last season with the Steelers. The 36-year-old split starting quarterback responsibilities with Justin Fields — who signed a two-year deal with the New York Jets — and helped Pittsbugh secure a playoff spot. Those leadership qualities have netted Wilson a solid amount of interest on the open market, even as the ex-Seattle Seahawks legend continues to play out the tail end of his playing career.

So far, three teams have been linked to Wilson: the Steelers, New York Giants and Cleveland Browns — viewed more so as a sleeper landing spot. Wilson underwent multiple meetings this past week, including one in the Big Apple, which went “very well.” The holdup on putting pen to paper, at this point, isn’t on Wilson.

“He’s in a position where he can and is ready to sign somewhere,” NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” Saturday. “But he appears to be the backup No. 2 option in both Pittsburgh and New York.”

The Steelers have made a quarterback addition already this offseason, reuniting with 2018 third-rounder Mason Rudolph on a two-year, $8 million contract. It’s unlikely that head coach Mike Tomlin envisions Rudolph, amid his second go-around with Pittsburgh, as the team’s starter moving forward. However, amid the wait game that’s been Wilson’s free agency this offseason, there remains a key domino yet to fall: Aaron Rodgers.

The Jets severed ties with Rodgers early in the offseason, making the 41-year-old available. Ironically enough, the Steelers and Giants — and Minnesota Vikings — are among those interested in adding Rodgers, making Wilson both respective franchise’s Plan B option in case their pursuits fail.

“The two main players appear to be the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants,” Fowler said. “I’m told they have standing offers out to Rodgers. He is mulling them. The sentiment around the league is he could be a Pittsburgh Steeler, but nothing official yet.”

Wilson remains a capable starting-caliber quarterback and showed flashes of his old self in Pittsburgh. He made 11 starts for the Steelers and completed 63.7% of his passes for 2,482 yards, with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions. Most importantly, Wilson handled the split starter’s role with grace alongside Fields, all while demonstrating an ability to prepare for whenever the time comes to take the field.

The possibility for a re-run with Tomlin is still in play.

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