Russell Wilson Issues Baseball-Inspired Message to Mike Tomlin & Steelers Amid Contract Talks

Imagine this: despite having a great season with your franchise your future contract stays in the dark. The Steelers quarterback is currently in that boat with his team. When Russell Wilson signed his contract, it was a great bargain for the team. And a somewhat okay deal for the QB. But as the 2024 season is coming to an end, the question of what happens after the contract expires is still unanswered. Despite the conversations about this getting louder, Wilson has his blinders on. His only goal at the moment is securing a playoff spot and keeping his team motivated.

Yes, the chance of securing a playoff spot is high for Pittsburgh, but so are the stakes. The Sunday night game against the Browns may not help them snatch a playoff spot. But it will help them beat their current NFL Win Total and get a redemption win as well. Wilson knows that a win will depend on the entire team’s performance. “Obviously, you know, when you get into the white line on Sunday when the lights come on, can we make plays? You know, are you a playmaker when the lights come on?” But he trusts his teammates to do the needful and snatch a win. 

“My trust in these guys has been there since the beginning. I always say, you know, it’s like baseball. You’ll never hit a home run if you don’t swing. I really believe that you gotta swing. You gotta trust your guys. You gotta trust yourself.” Wise words from a QB who hopes to see a playoff win after 4 years.

Having a positive mentality despite looming questions over his contract shows he knows how to keep his head in the game. Since he was released by the Denver Broncos this offseason, the star has been the hot topic. After playing 10 seasons for the Seattle Seahawks, he signed a five-year contract worth $242.5 million with the Broncos in 2022. He was released by the franchise on March 13, 2024. He then signed a one-year contract worth $1,210,000 with his current team. Although the deal threw him on the list of the NFL’s lowest-paid quarterbacks, he took it. But only because he was getting his $39 million salary from Denver.

As his contract with the Steelers is coming to an end, no doubt retaining the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback will be costly. Well, with some critical weeks coming up, if Wilson doesn’t perform it is possible that his asking price could see a dip.

Russell Wilson’s Steelers have to win against the Browns

The 9-3 Steelers will face the 4th contender in the AFC North on Sunday. Though Russell and the squad need not worry about the opponent on the points table. But, winning or losing this match will help them in taking it easy for their upcoming games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs. Keep in mind all of these games will happen within the span of 10 days.

Winning against the Browns will mean the Steelers will need only one more win in their next three games after Sunday. Doable.

If we look at past rivalry, it reveals the Steelers’ impressive record against the Browns. With the stats overwhelmingly favoring the Steelers. Out of 146 games, the Steelers have won 81 of them. So, history stands beside Russell and the team. But beyond just winning the game, they have to strive for strong stats and points in the division.

As the contract negotiations between Russell Wilson and the Steelers continue to unfold, fans will be eagerly awaiting the outcome. The Steelers’ future success hangs in the balance as fans eagerly await a new deal, wondering how it will shape their chances in the upcoming season.