Russell Wilson Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson watches play during the third quarter of Super Bowl LVIII between Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers are trapped in a purgatory of their own making. The Steelers refuse to make major changes to their philosophy or coaching staff, and the result has been an endless streak of hovering .500 and first-round playoff exits.

This year, the quarterback for that playoff exit was veteran Russell Wilson. While Wilson started hot after returning from a calf injury that held him out of the season’s first six games, his play diminished as the year unfolded and Pittsburgh ultimately lost its last five games of the campaign.

Now, one Steelers insider is reporting that in an effort to finally distance itself from mediocrity, Pittsburgh is looking to go in a new direction from the aging Wilson, whose lack of mobility these days made it especially hard for him to avoid sacks behind the Steelers shaky offensive line.

According to Steelers Depot, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac reported earlier in the season that there was interest from both Wilson and the Steelers in the future together.

However, it appears that Dulac has been given new information since the Steelers’ late-season collapse.

In an appearance on WDVE’s Morning Show with Randy Baumann, Dulac said the following about an extension between Wilson and the Steelers: “I think the word that was told to me that I always used is the ‘intention’ on both sides to do another deal, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

Fans reacted to Dulac’s words on social media.

“I hope the decision come down to $ amount and not who’s a better fit going forward. With the right deal Russ is what this aging veteran team needs now (He’s not the future) but now. I could be wrong but there’s something that says Fields isn’t a starting QB. Signs are there,” one fan wrote on Twitter.

“Why would they want to after the way he ended the year and also with the reports that he was butting heads with Smith,” one fan added.

“He extended my blood pressure numbers with his (poor) play down the stretch,” another fan added.

It’ll be interesting to see what road the Steelers take if they do in fact move on from Wilson.

About Qwame Skinner

Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. At Next Impulse, Qwame covers sports with the same enthusiasm he brings to his recreational basketball and softball leagues.