Russell Wilson Contract: QB Was Open to Raiders, Patriots Before Steelers Contract

Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson "was open to playing for teams like the Raiders and Patriots" before agreeing to a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

Wilson announced Sunday night he's signing with Pittsburgh on what ESPN's Adam Schefter reported is a one-year, $1.2 million contract.

Both the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders are in need of a quarterback this offseason. Schefter reported Sunday that New England is trading Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Jimmy Garoppolo is in all likelihood on the way out in Las Vegas.

It's unclear whether either was a serious suitor for Wilson, though, with Russini noting he was willing to join them "if they were interested."

In the case of the Patriots, the nine-time Pro Bowler may not have been on their radar too much.

"Wilson will prioritize winning, and the Patriots aren't ready to win big," Jeremy Fowler of ESPN wrote on March 4. "They need at least a year to replenish the roster."

New England also has the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, which it can use to add a talented signal-caller to be the new franchise QB. LSU's Jayden Daniels was the projected selection in Bleacher Report's newest mock.

Even on a bargain contract, there wasn't a pressing need to sign Wilson when he'd likely be the backup from Week 1 on or eventually get shuffled aside for an early draft pick.

The Raiders were a more logical fit for the 35-year-old because they don't have a replacement for Garoppolo waiting in the wings, and their position in the first round (No. 13) means a trade up is required to get one of the top quarterbacks on the board.

Perhaps Las Vegas is aiming higher than Wilson in free agency, Kirk Cousins being the most obvious target within that context. The front office could instead prefer a solution a little more permanence after having watched the Garoppolo signing — a short-term move that seemingly offered a low ceiling but a high floor — unravel so quickly.