Rumors are spreading around the NFL that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson will not be back with the team in 2025. Wilson was once a household name in the NFL and produced at the highest level. Lately, though, his production has declined, but not his ability. Wilson will turn 37 by the end of the 2025 season, but he still has a couple more years left. The Colts need quarterback competition with Anthony Richardson, and Russell Wilson could be that guy. If not, Wilson could be a top-rated backup, fully capable of winning a game if needed.

One key element that Chris Ballard mentioned to the media during his Year-End Press Conference was the importance of competition. He mentioned how competition produces better players. The Colts are hopeful that Richardson can be their franchise quarterback, but he has to play better. Wilson has the skills and tools to be a starter in this league, but he also has shown his age. While he might not be a full-season starter anymore, he can duplicate what Joe Flacco did in 2024 with more production.

Why the Colts Should Sign Russell Wilson

He’ll Be Competition for Anthony Richardson

The biggest reason for the Colts to sign Russell Wilson is because he can legitimately compete with Anthony Richardson. Wilson is coming off a season in which he was the starting quarterback for the Steelers. He is used to being the top guy and would compete hard to retain that right. This would bode well for the Colts 22-year-old quarterback because he needs to grow and develop.

The verdict is still out on whether the Colts made the right decision in 2023 when they started Richardson in Week 1. In hindsight, it might’ve been best to sit him for a year or two. Regardless, though, Richardson has had his fair share of adversity in this league, but the good news is that the Colts are not giving up on him. Chris Ballard made it abundantly clear that the Colts are not giving up on him. However, if Richardson cannot step up to the challenge and earn the starting job, Russell Wilson would be a legitimate option for the Colts.

He Can Still Produce at a High Level

The league knows that Russell Wilson used to be a top-rated quarterback who went to back-to-back Super Bowls before turning 30 years old. Throughout his career, he has been in the MVP conversation and was always dangerous as a dual threat. Now that Wilson is pushing 40 years old, his numbers have dwindled, but the redemption season that he in 2024 proved that he can still compete at a high level.

Just last season Wilson went to his ninth Pro Bowl as he accumulated 2,482 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He also completed 63% of his passes and went 6-5 as a starter, leading the Steelers to yet another playoff birth. Wilson is no longer a long-term solution at quarterback, but he can be the bridge that the Colts need to turn their quarterback woes into a success.

He is a Strong Leader

One thing that is undeniable about Russell Wilson is his leadership. The Colts are lacking in maturity and leadership within their locker room. After another disappointing season, rumors were flying around that the loudest voices in the Colts locker room were focused more on themselves than the team. In an interview with the media, DeForest Buckner said plainly that it was “ego” that got in the way of their success in 2024. On top of the locker room being in shambles, team captains were not showing up for the team. Guys like Zaire Franklin and Anthony Richardson were not living up to their jobs as captains and leaders. Franklin was spending way too much time being arrogant and a troll. Richardson had an issue with tapping out of a game on a third-down play.

Teams can easily overcome something like this, but it will take bringing more leaders in, so the bad ones can leave. For the Colts, bringing in Russell Wilson will be a breath of fresh air and humility. This is not to say that Richardson should leave, but it remains to be seen whether Richardson is ready to be an actual leader. Wilson has been there and done it before and the Colts need stability. Chris Ballard will have some tough decisions to make this offseason and his team is hurting in more areas than just talent. The tone in the locker room helps set the tone on the field. Last season, the tone was too arrogant, so this season the Colts must change that.

Main Image: Clark Wade – USA Today Sports

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