NFL Exec Explains How Russell Wilson Would Get 'Daniel Jones-type' Contract Offers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson might be in line for one more big payday if his team continues to set the pace in the AFC North.

"If he goes to the playoffs and they win a playoff game and lose to the Chiefs in a close one, you are telling me he is not going to get Daniel Jones-type contract offers around the league?" an NFL team executive said to The Athletic's Mike Sando.

The Steelers (9-3) put some distance between themselves and the Baltimore Ravens (8-5) with Sunday's 44-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Wilson had his best performance of the season, finishing 29-of-38 for 414 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Looking ahead to the offseason, the nine-time Pro Bowler will be one of the best passers on the free agency. There isn't a clear standout candidate with teammate Justin Fields and the Minnesota Vikings' Sam Darnold among the other options.

Common sense tells you Wilson won't be resetting the QB market, though. He turned 36 in November and his production isn't otherworldly in a vacuum.

In six starts for Pittsburgh, he has thrown for 1,626 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 65.8 percent of his passes. His 56.8 QBR is the third-lowest of his career, per Pro Football Reference.

A nine-figure payout might be attainable for Wilson, however, given the scarcity of starting-caliber quarterbacks who are available to teams in a given offseason. For some added context, matching the $160 million contract Jones got from the New York Giants would only rank 15th at the position in terms of total money.

Last spring, Wilson took the veteran's minimum from the Steelers because he knew the Denver Broncos were writing him a big check following his release. Still, signing a short-term deal over pursuing more long-term security was a bet on himself, and that decision is going to be very lucrative.