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Russell Wilson predicted to land contract worth over $100 million from Steelers

When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Russell Wilson during the offseason, the hope was that he would elevate the passing attack and finally solve the multi-year issue Pittsburgh had under center.

Through seven starts, Wilson has done just that. Not only has he proven to be a big upgrade at quarterback, but the Steelers are sitting with a 10-3 record and in first place in the AFC North entering Week 15. Pittsburgh also needs just one more victory to clinch a playoff berth.

If Wilson can keep it up, he will be in line to land a nice payday from the Steelers in 2025, when he’s slated to become a free agent — and that’s exactly what Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes.

In a recent article predicting the next big extensions around the NFL, Knox sees Wilson landing a three-year, $135 million contract, with $75 million guaranteed.

The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t typically address contracts during the season. Therefore, quarterback Russell Wilson is probably the biggest long shot on this list to receive one before the end of 2024.

There’s at least a chance, however, that general manager Omar Khan will break tradition and lock up Wilson before the offseason. All indications are that Pittsburgh wants the 36-yer-old to be its starter next year, though Justin Fields could also be in the team’s plans.

    Knox adds that the Steelers would be wise to get something done before Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold get their new deals, as they could drive up the price.

    If Purdy lands a deal just below the top tier—possibly in the Justin Fields and Jared Goff range—it will cement $50-plus million as the bar for proven above-average starters. Darnold is expected to be the top quarterback available in free agency. While he only has one good year on his resume, he should eclipse the deal Baker Mayfield signed last offseason worth $33.3 million annually.

    Right now, Kirk Cousins’ $45 million annual salary is a logical baseline for Wilson, given their similarities in age. That number could jump significantly, though, if Darnold and Purdy land deals worth more than expected.

    If Wilson were to land that deal, it would pay him $45 million per season, which would be tied for 12th in the NFL among quarterbacks, per Over the Cap. That is definitely a realistic number considering Wilson has proven himself to still be a very capable starter.

    The biggest concern for a multi-year deal with Wilson is his age. Wilson will turn 37 next November and there’s no telling how many years he has left in the tank. It would be wise of the Steelers to give themselves a reasonable out in the final year of such a deal.

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