NFL analyst takes sides on whether Russell Wilson should have two starting QB salaries in 2025
Russell Wilson faced a Cincinnati Bengals defense that has struggled this season, but the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback took no quarter. Wilson crossed the 400-yard mark and many are bracing for a return to the playoffs for the quarterback. However, once the 2024 season wraps, Wilson is slated to hit the street.
In a December 4 edition of "Get Up," NFL analyst Kimberly A. Martin addressed whether it was an overreaction to say Wilson should return as the main man in 2025.
Kimberly A. Martin: [00:00:11] "That is not an overreaction. ... You cannot look at the Steelers record and the way this offense is moving down the field, and not say Russell has done everything that you've asked him to do and more. I don't see how you can say he hasn't made a case to be their QB moving forward."
Of course, with his contract winding down, Wilson will need a new deal to continue to provide his services to the Steelers. Having resurrected his leverage, most would agree that the Steelers' discount will expire in the next negotiation. If it does, Wilson could be set to cross into uncharted territory.
Exploring how much money Russell Wilson could earn in 2025
The Steelers quarterback has been drawing a salary from his previous team, the Denver Broncos. After things failed to work out with Sean Payton, the Broncos had to choose between living out the rest of his deal or eating the deadcap money before cutting him.
They chose the second option and as such, they owed him $85 million in dead cap money over 2024 and 2025, per USA Today. They elected to take a bigger chunk this season of $53 million, but Wilson is still due $32 million next season.
The Steelers could sign up for a typical starting quarterback salary on a similar footing to Baker Mayfield, who had a similar journey to the bottom. If they do, Wilson could earn about $33 million next season in addition to $32 million from the Broncos.
If the Steelers pay Wilson an average starting salary closer to Matthew Stafford, Wilson could be in effect the league's first $70 million quarterback. This is taking into account Stafford's $40 million salary as a quarterback in his mid-30s.
Could Russell Wilson have just pulled one of the Houdini acts of NFL history?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Get Up," and H/T Sportskeeda.