With Super Bowl week also comes increased conversation as to what will happen in the 2025 NFL offseason. One of those conversations has been around Russell Wilson, and his free agency search may be with one less team. It is now being speculated that Wilson will not look to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers and that the team will move in a different direction. Wilson has been heavily linked to the Las Vegas Raiders, but they are not the team he will sign with.

RUSSELL WILSON WILL SIGN WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Wilson will be heading back out West to finish his career, but instead of reuniting with his former head coach, Pete Carroll, he will be going back to the division where it all started to join the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West.

RUSSELL WILSON WILL NOT RETURN TO THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS

After a season in which Wilson led the Steelers to the playoffs, although losing in the first round to the Baltimore Ravens, not returning is best for both sides. For the Steelers they need to get younger at the position finally and get a long-term starter under center instead of rotating through quarterbacks on a continual basis. For Wilson, it is clear that the offensive system under the Steelers didn’t work, and that Pittsburgh is not a true contender just yet. With him being 36 he will look to go out on top and want to be on the team that gives him the best chance to win another Super Bowl.

Not only that, but reports are coming out that Wilson didn’t necessarily agree with the offensive philosophy under Arthur Smith either, causing them to clash at points. With this being the case it is best for the Steelers and Wilson to move in opposite directions.

WHY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS WILL SIGN RUSSELL WILSON

After how Brock Purdy played in 2024 compared to 2023, it causes some uncertainty around the quarterback position for 2025. There was a massive decrease in efficiency from Purdy as a passer with just 3,864 yards thrown and 20 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. Defenses adjusted to Purdy, and he couldn’t adjust post-snap to what he was seeing. With a contract extension on the horizon in which he will be looking for an estimated $196 million, a quarterback change should be on the horizon as the 49ers have to avoid paying him that contract.

With Wilson, he would fit in the Kyle Shanahan scheme, while providing them a year of competitive play while also giving them flexibility to have more time to think about how they want to address the future of the position. Wilson’s 2,752 yards and 18 touchdowns with just five interceptions in 2024 would fit the 49ers mantra of playing effectively and not turning the ball over. Add in his ability to make plays outside the pocket and having playmakers like Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle, this is an ideal circumstance for both sides. Not to mention, what better way for Wilson to end his career than facing his former team in the Seattle Seahawks twice a year.