Wilson says contract talks have begun with Steelers

Russell Wilson not only wants to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, but the veteran quarterback said the team has taken steps toward making that happen.

Appearing on the ESPN’s “Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday afternoon, Wilson said discussions have started on a new contract.

“We have been starting to talk a little bit,” Wilson said. “We had meetings and everything else, and (we’re) getting into it. It’s an exciting time.”

Wilson is set to become a free agent in March. The two other quarterbacks on the Steelers’ roster last year, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen, also will be unrestricted free agents.

The Steelers paid Wilson the NFL veteran minimum salary in 2024 with the Denver Broncos picking up the remaining portion of the quarterback’s $39 million contract. Wilson started the season with a calf injury, then replaced Fields in Week 7 and started every game the rest of the season.

Although he helped the Steelers ascend to a 10-3 record, he was the quarterback of record during the season- ending five-game losing streak that included a loss to Baltimore in the wild-card round of the AFC playoffs.

Wilson completed 63.7% of his passes for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions.

“It was tough at the end,” Wilson said. “I’ve got so much more in me. I’m excited. My goal is to be with the Pittsburgh Steelers for a long time and, hopefully, finish my career there.”

Wilson also disputed reports that his style didn’t mesh with first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

“Arthur is a great coach, a guy who has been a head coach,” he said. “We loved trying to find ways to compete every day and get better.”

After his two-year stay in Denver, Wilson called Pittsburgh “a special place. I hope I get to play there a lot longer.”

Killebrew added to Pro Bowl Games

Miles Killebrew will get a chance to participate in the Pro Bowl Games for the second year in a row.

The Pittsburgh Steelers special teams captain was named Wednesday as an injury replacement for the games, giving the team five representatives at the event, which will be held Feb. 2 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.

Killebrew will take the spot of New England Patriots special teams player Brendan Schooler. It is the second time that Killebrew will represent the Steelers in the Pro Bowl skills competition.