Russell Wilson isn’t quite a Hall of Fame quarterback — yet. After two challenging seasons with the Denver Broncos, he has found renewed confidence under the guidance of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. This change has sparked discussions about his legacy and future.
At 36 years old, Wilson is now playing for his fifth head coach in four seasons. While he may not resemble the quarterback who led the Seattle Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances, he has shown he can still drive a team toward playoff success.
The question remains: Has Wilson amassed enough achievements to secure a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame five years after his career ends?
Many argue that he already possesses Hall of Fame credentials. His 45,279 passing yards rank him 17th all-time in the NFL and third among active players, trailing only Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford. Additionally, Wilson’s career passer rating of 100.1 places him fifth in history, while his 344 passing touchdowns put him at 12th overall.
During his decade with the Seahawks, Wilson led the team to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, clinching a title after the 2013 season and securing eight playoff berths. His career might have included two championship rings if not for the infamous interception by Malcolm Butler in Super Bowl XLIX.
With a starting record of 120-73-1 (64%), Wilson has won double-digit games in eight of his 13 NFL seasons. He has earned nine Pro Bowl selections and achieved All-Pro status four times. His performance metrics, as noted by Pro Football Reference’s Approximate Value, place him 12th among quarterbacks historically.
Despite these impressive statistics, some Hall of Fame voters remain skeptical about his candidacy. Wilson is certainly on a path that could lead him to Canton, but like Kurt Warner’s resurgence with the Arizona Cardinals, he must finish strong in Pittsburgh to solidify his legacy.
Since taking over as the Steelers’ starter in Week 7, Wilson has led the team to a 5-1 record, completing 65.8% of his passes for 1,626 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions. His passer rating of 104.3 ranks fourth in the league. Notably, in a recent 44-38 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, he achieved his first 400-yard passing game since 2019, showcasing a shift in his playing style.
Against the Bengals, Wilson demonstrated versatility, completing 7 of 12 passes for 169 yards to wide receivers while connecting on 22 of 24 passes for 245 yards to tight ends and running backs. According to Next Gen Stats, he excelled against zone coverage, recording 316 yards and all three of his touchdowns in that scenario.
Former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck praised Wilson’s performance, noting the shift from deep throws to a more methodical approach that emphasizes ball distribution and timing. This evolution in his game has drawn comparisons to Tom Brady’s strategic style.
Rob Rang, a FOX Sports draft analyst, believes that Wilson’s adaptability could pave the way for a Hall of Fame finish. Known for his ability to escape the pocket, Wilson has adapted his game, with a significant portion of his attempts coming while on the run this season.
In Pittsburgh, Wilson enjoys a comparable supporting cast to what he had in Seattle, including a strong defense and running game, along with a coach who empowers him to lead the offense. This environment has been conducive to his success.
Hasselbeck also pointed out that playing for prestigious franchises like the Steelers can enhance a player’s Hall of Fame candidacy. A successful career in Pittsburgh carries more weight than in other cities, as the Steelers are regarded as one of the NFL’s iconic teams.
Wilson’s current contract with the Steelers is worth $1.21 million, a significant decrease from the $37.79 million he earned in Denver. While the Steelers may want to retain both Wilson and Justin Fields, the financial implications could complicate those plans.
The future of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith also looms large. Having previously coached the Atlanta Falcons, Smith has drawn interest from other teams, but his successful partnership with Wilson could influence his next move.
Despite uncertainties ahead, Wilson has landed in a favorable situation to revive his career after his time in Denver. If he can replicate Warner’s late-career resurgence with the Cardinals, he may very well solidify his Hall of Fame legacy in Pittsburgh.
