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As we move deeper into the 2025 NFL offseason, the narratives surrounding several high-profile quarterbacks are heating up, none more so than Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson. Once seen as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, Wilson’s star has dimmed in recent years due to his underwhelming performance with the Broncos after being traded from the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. Amidst all the speculation surrounding his future in Denver, one particular storyline has surfaced that could send ripples across the league: Pro-Russell Wilson narratives may not be well received by certain teams, particularly the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to NFL insiders and experts, including those from the *MMQB* (Monday Morning Quarterback), the suggestion that Wilson could be viewed as a “fixable” or “redeemable” quarterback might not sit well with the Steelers, a team whose championship pedigree and gritty mentality is often at odds with narratives that center on a struggling player’s potential comeback.

Let’s dive deeper into the nuances of the situation, including how the Steelers’ organizational philosophy and history might clash with a narrative that seeks to paint Wilson in a more favorable light.

### **Russell Wilson’s Rocky Transition to Denver**

Russell Wilson entered the 2022 NFL season as a new face in Denver after being traded by the Seahawks. The Broncos, a team that had long searched for a franchise quarterback following Peyton Manning’s retirement, thought they had found their answer in Wilson. A nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, Wilson brought years of pedigree to the table and was expected to lead the Broncos to greatness.

However, things did not go as planned. Wilson’s first season in Denver was plagued by inconsistent performances, lackluster offensive production, and a strained relationship with head coach Nathaniel Hackett. Wilson’s struggles were evident across the board: his passing accuracy faltered, his decision-making appeared off, and his ability to lead the offense fell short of expectations. The Broncos finished with a disappointing 5-12 record, and Hackett was dismissed after just one season. Wilson’s play continued to be a topic of heated discussion throughout the 2023 campaign, leading many to wonder if the quarterback had truly lost his touch or if he was simply in a bad system.

In 2024, under new head coach Sean Payton, there was hope that Wilson could return to his elite level of play. However, despite Payton’s efforts to reinvigorate the Broncos offense, Wilson’s performance remained a topic of scrutiny. While there were occasional flashes of the old Wilson—a quarterback who could move well in and out of the pocket, hit deep throws, and lead clutch drives—the consistency just wasn’t there. Wilson finished the 2024 season with a mediocre stat line and the Broncos ended up with a mid-tier record.

### **Pro-Wilson Narratives and Pittsburgh’s Potential Disinterest**

Against this backdrop, there are those in the media and around the league who believe that Russell Wilson is still capable of a comeback. They argue that he’s a quarterback who just needs the right system, coaching, and support around him. Some have even gone as far as to suggest that teams could see value in trading for Wilson if he’s made available, and that he could potentially lead a team back to the playoffs, or even further.

However, *MMQB* sources suggest that this pro-Wilson narrative, at least as it pertains to the Pittsburgh Steelers, won’t be “well received” within the organization. There are several reasons for this.

1. **Steelers’ Organizational Culture and Philosophy**
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. Since the 1970s, they’ve been synonymous with tough, physical football, a hard-nosed mentality, and a commitment to building teams that succeed through discipline, fundamentals, and consistency. The Steelers do not typically embrace narratives that center around “fixing” or “redeeming” a player, especially one who has struggled as much as Wilson has in recent years. The Steelers believe in building a team around a strong, balanced roster, and they prefer to have their quarterbacks as stable, dependable figures who can execute the system and manage the game without the need for constant reinvention.

Additionally, the Steelers have long been committed to developing quarterbacks through their system. With Kenny Pickett at the helm, Pittsburgh has made it clear they are willing to give their young quarterback time to grow and develop. The idea of bringing in a quarterback who’s been struggling with consistency might seem counterintuitive to their approach, which centers on growth and trust in the players already on the roster.

2. **Pittsburgh’s Strong Defensive Identity**
The Steelers have long been known for their elite defense, often considered one of the best in the NFL. With standout players like T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Heyward leading the charge, Pittsburgh has consistently fielded a defense that can carry the team when the offense is struggling. In a culture like Pittsburgh’s, there is a belief that the team’s success is built on defense and that the quarterback’s job is to be a steady leader who doesn’t make costly mistakes.

Wilson’s performance over the past two seasons, with numerous turnover-heavy games and inefficient offensive outputs, would not inspire confidence in a team like the Steelers, who pride themselves on their defensive dominance. If Pittsburgh were to entertain a quarterback change, they would likely prefer someone who could complement their defense rather than disrupt it with inconsistent play. A quarterback who struggles with turnovers and decision-making is a tough sell for a team built on defense-first principles.

3. **The Steelers’ Reluctance to Embrace Quarterback Drama**
Pittsburgh is a franchise that values stability at quarterback. From Terry Bradshaw in the 1970s to Ben Roethlisberger in the 2000s and 2010s, the Steelers have had a long history of consistent play at the position. While Roethlisberger’s final years were marked by some frustration and decline, the Steelers have always been averse to drama at the quarterback position.

Russell Wilson’s tenure in Denver has been surrounded by a level of drama and scrutiny that the Steelers typically avoid. Whether it’s his rocky relationship with Hackett, his struggles to adjust to a new system, or his ongoing media scrutiny, Wilson’s time with the Broncos has been anything but smooth. The Steelers, with their tight-knit and no-nonsense culture, are unlikely to take a gamble on a player whose tenure in Denver has been marked by so much turbulence. They would rather stick with their current plan of developing Pickett, a quarterback they believe can grow into a reliable starter without the drama associated with Wilson’s recent years.

4. **The Focus on Long-Term Stability**
Finally, the Steelers have made it clear that they are focused on long-term stability, especially with Kenny Pickett, the team’s first-round pick in 2022. While Pickett’s development has not been flawless, the Steelers remain confident that he is the quarterback of the future. The team has put its faith in Pickett to grow into a leader, and bringing in a veteran like Wilson, who would likely be on the back end of his career, could disrupt that long-term plan. The Steelers are committed to building a sustained contender, not just a one-off team that could potentially compete in the short term by taking a chance on a quarterback who is no longer at the peak of his abilities.

### **Conclusion: The Steelers’ Future Without Wilson**

While Russell Wilson’s career may not be over, the chance that he’ll end up in Pittsburgh seems unlikely. The Steelers, with their no-nonsense approach to team-building, will likely continue their focus on developing Kenny Pickett and keeping their organization on a steady, disciplined course. The pro-Wilson narrative simply doesn’t align with the Steelers’ identity and their commitment to building a team around consistent leadership, strong defense, and long-term stability.

For Pittsburgh, the answer isn’t to “fix” a struggling veteran; it’s to stick with the plan they’ve set in motion, trusting that their young quarterback and their championship-caliber defense will get them back into contention. The Steelers’ resistance to the pro-Wilson narrative speaks to the broader philosophy of the organization—stability, consistency, and a dedication to the team’s core values that have served them well for decades. The focus in Pittsburgh will remain on the future, and it seems increasingly unlikely that Russell Wilson will be a part of it.