Report: Free-agent Steelers QB Russell Wilson to visit with Browns, Giants

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t the only ones exploring their options at quarterback. Their starter for most of the 2024 season is doing the same thing.

Russell Wilson, who started the final 11 games of the regular season and wild-card playoff game against Baltimore, has visits scheduled with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, ESPN reported Wednesday.

Wilson officially became a free agent at 4 p.m. and, according to the report, he will fly to Cleveland on Wednesday night and meet with the Browns on Thursday. Then, he will head to New York and meet with the Giants on Friday.

From Free Agency Frenzy: Former #Steelers starting QB Russell Wilson is set to take visits, as he'll head to the #Browns and #Giants this week. pic.twitter.com/SroRkAfrgA

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2025

Wilson remains an option for the Steelers, but he apparently is Plan C in their quarterback hierarchy. First option Justin Fields left for a two-year, $40 million contract from the New York Jets. The Steelers also have been negotiating with Aaron Rodgers, who became a free agent when the Jets officially released him Wednesday afternoon.

Wilson won five of his first six starts with the Steelers, who then lost their final five games, counting postseason, with him at quarterback.

At 36, Wilson is five years younger than Rodgers, who is seventh on the NFL’s all-time passing yardage list. Rodgers and Wilson have each won a Super Bowl, but Rodgers is a four-time NFL MVP.

Rodgers went 5-12 last season, his second with the Jets. He completed 63% of his passes while throwing 28 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions.

Wilson finished 6-5 as a starter in his first year with the Steelers. He completed 63.7% of his passes with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions.

The Browns are searching to replace Deshaun Watson, who has an Achilles injury. They have agreed to a trade with Philadelphia for former Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. The Giants also are in the mix to land Rodgers.

In other news:

• The Steelers did not tender a contract to outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon, making him a free agent. Moon played sparingly on defense in 13 games, but he played 63% of all special teams snaps. His biggest contribution came when he blocked a punt against Las Vegas.

• Rookie guard Mason McCormick was awarded $819,102 in performance-based pay, which was more than his $795,000 base salary. Performance-based pay is awarded based on playing time and the salary level of players.