March 20, 2025, 08:25 AM PDT – As the NFL free agency frenzy continues to unfold, veteran quarterback Russell Wilson remains one of the most intriguing names still on the market. The 36-year-old Super Bowl champion, fresh off a solid 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is reportedly poised to make a blockbuster move—and sources say he’s “ready to sign” if the San Francisco 49ers extend an offer. The potential pairing of Wilson with one of the NFC’s perennial powerhouses could reshape the league’s landscape and send shockwaves through the quarterback carousel.

Wilson’s Free Agency Journey

Wilson’s 2024 campaign with Pittsburgh was a tale of resurgence. After two tumultuous years with the Denver Broncos, he joined the Steelers on a one-year, $1.21 million prove-it deal, stepping in as the starter in Week 7. The results were impressive: a 6-5 record, 2,482 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and just five interceptions across 11 starts, culminating in a playoff berth. His 65.8% completion rate and 104.3 passer rating ranked among the league’s best, silencing doubters who questioned his viability at this stage of his career.

Yet, despite the success, the Steelers have not committed to Wilson for 2025. With Justin Fields also in the mix and Pittsburgh’s late-season skid—including a wild-card loss to the Baltimore Ravens—rumors swirled that the team might look elsewhere. Wilson, a free agent since March 13, has met with teams like the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, but no deal has materialized. Now, a new report from TWSN Sports suggests San Francisco could be his next destination—and Wilson is all in.

“Russell Wilson is ready to sign if the San Francisco 49ers come calling,” an insider told TWSN. “He sees it as the perfect fit—a chance to compete for a Super Bowl and stick it to his old NFC West rivals, the Seahawks, twice a year.”

Why the 49ers?

The 49ers’ quarterback situation is murkier than their 2024 record suggests. Brock Purdy, once hailed as “Mr. Irrelevant” turned franchise cornerstone, regressed in his third season. After a stellar 2023 (4,280 yards, 31 TDs), Purdy’s 2024 stats dipped to 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, with defenses adjusting to his pre-snap reads. Now in the final year of his rookie contract, Purdy’s looming extension—potentially north of $50 million annually—has sparked debate about whether San Francisco should pay up or pivot.

Enter Wilson. His 2024 performance mirrors the efficiency Kyle Shanahan covets: quick releases, low turnovers, and playmaking outside the pocket. Pairing him with All-Pro weapons like Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle could elevate an offense that sputtered at times last season. Add in Wilson’s postseason pedigree—nine playoff wins and a Super Bowl ring from 2013—and he offers a proven upgrade over Purdy’s untested playoff mettle.

“Wilson’s 2,752 yards and 18 touchdowns with just five picks in 2024 fit the 49ers’ mantra of playing smart football,” wrote Bryce Lazenby of TWSN. “With playmakers around him and Shanahan’s scheme, this could be an ideal landing spot.”

A Revenge Tour in the NFC West

For Wilson, the move carries personal stakes. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012, he spent a decade tormenting the 49ers, going 17-4 against them in the regular season. A trade to Denver in 2022 ended that chapter, but signing with San Francisco would bring him full circle—facing his former team twice a year as a bitter rival. “What better way to end his career than sticking it to Seattle?” the TWSN source mused.

Wilson hinted at his hunger for redemption in a March 17 Instagram post, captioned with two F-bombs and a vow to “keep grinding.” At 36, with a stated goal of playing five more years and winning two more Super Bowls, he’s chasing a legacy-defining chapter—and San Francisco’s Super Bowl window aligns perfectly.

The 49ers’ Calculus

San Francisco’s offseason has been a rollercoaster. After a 6-10 finish in 2024, marred by injuries and free-agent departures like Dre Greenlaw, the 49ers have been frugal, signing depth pieces like Mac Jones and Siran Neal rather than splashing cash. With $40 million in cap space (per OverTheCap), they can afford Wilson’s likely $15-20 million price tag without breaking the bank, preserving flexibility to extend Purdy or trade him for draft capital.

Critics argue Purdy’s youth (25) and upside outweigh Wilson’s short-term appeal, but the veteran’s arrival could serve as a bridge—or a spark. “If Purdy falters again, Wilson’s a safety net,” said NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “If he thrives, they’ve got a Super Bowl shot right now.”

Fan Frenzy and What’s Next

The rumor has 49ers fans buzzing on X. “Russell Wilson in Shanahan’s offense? Inject it!” one wrote. Another countered, “Why ditch Purdy for a 36-year-old? This better be a backup plan.” Steelers fans, meanwhile, bid farewell: “Thanks for the ride, Russ—go get that ring.”

No formal talks between Wilson and the 49ers have been confirmed, but his camp’s openness signals intent. With the Giants and Browns cooling on him and the Titans eyeing a rookie QB with the No. 1 pick, San Francisco looms as his clearest path to a starting gig. If the 49ers call, Wilson’s ready to answer—and the NFL could witness a seismic shift.