Russell Wilson, the celebrated quarterback, is poised to become a free agent this offseason. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his professional future, Wilson has made it clear that he wishes to continue with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After signing a one-year, $1.2 million contract last year, Wilson aims to build on his relationship with the team and extend his playing career for another five to seven years.
Wilson's year with the Steelers was marked by both challenges and triumphs. A calf injury sidelined him for much of the training camp and the first six games of the season. Nevertheless, upon his return, Wilson led the Steelers to a remarkable six wins in his first seven starts. However, the latter part of the season saw the team stumble, losing their final five games. In his 13th NFL season, Wilson threw for 2,482 yards, achieving 16 touchdowns and enduring 33 sacks.
T.J. Watt, another pivotal player for the Steelers, has also expressed his intention to remain with the team. Drafted 30th overall in 2017, Watt is eligible for a contract extension this summer. Like Wilson, Watt shared his frustration over the team's lack of recent playoff success and how the season concluded.
"We sit here the same time as last year, the same time as I've been in this scrum and same questions, and I have the same answers." – T.J. Watt
Watt's commitment to the team is unwavering as he emphasized his desire to be part of the solution rather than leaving Pittsburgh.
"I want to be at Pittsburgh Steeler," – T.J. Watt
"Obviously, I'm very frustrated with how things ended, and that's not just with the last game, that's at the last month of football." – T.J. Watt
Wilson echoed similar sentiments of frustration, particularly about the end of the season. However, he remains optimistic about his role in helping teammate Cam Heyward achieve their shared goals for the team.
Despite not having met with the Steelers' management to discuss his future explicitly, Wilson is clear about his intentions.
"That's always been my plan is to play as long as possible," – Russell Wilson
Watt elaborated on his perspective about what needs improvement within the team.
"It's a collection of things, and it starts with myself, and I need to play better. We need to play better. There's not one thing that needs to be fixed here. There's a lot of things, but it starts internally with myself and needing to play better in bigger moments and it'll be a long off season to have to sit with that." – T.J. Watt
Both players are determined to address these challenges and work diligently during the offseason.
Wilson's passion for Pittsburgh extends beyond the field, encompassing the community and its fanbase.
"You guys know that. I don't want to leave this place, especially in this — I want to be part of the solution. I've put so much into it here. I've seen so many guys. I mean I want to help Cam Heyward get to where we need to get." – T.J. Watt
"I want to be a part of the solution. I don't want to leave this place. I love the people here. And that goes beyond just the coaches, it's the fan base, it's the people, the community, and we owe it to them to get it right. And I want to be part of the solution, not leave here and go somewhere else. That's not my intention at all." – T.J. Watt
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