Mike Tomlin pretty much not referencing Russell Wilson at all in his season ending press conference last week caught many off-guard that has seen majority run with the storylines Wilson is out the door and Justin Fields is ‘Likely’ In as the 2025 starter.

Well not so fast………

Tomlin loves to play with the media and his stance of making it seem like Wilson is the past was calculated.

Buzz in the Steelers organization is Tomlin with the support of Art Rooney II to some extent has laid out his vision of competing next season with Wilson at the helm as the starting QB. Wilson despite his quirky leadership traits annoying some veterans as the season progressed, still received strong support from core veterans Tomlin leans on in exit meetings, sources say. Movement has emerged where very early in the process here the Steelers are setting things up to put the ball in Wilson’s court and Wilson’s going to have to give them an answer rather quickly.

A 3 year, $90-$100 Million dollar payday just isn’t happening. If the two sides agree to terms, maybe the two sides make the contact look bigger than it really is but talk six weeks ago of a $28-$30 million a year pay day is not coming from the Steelers and it won’t be close.

Expectations are the Steelers will present an offer in the $17-$18 Million To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!