Since stepping in at quarterback, Russell Wilson has led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 4-1 record, and they now sit atop the AFC North despite losing to the Cleveland Browns last Thursday, 24-19. Pittsburgh is reportedly expected to re-sign Wilson after the season, but with how well he has played, why would the Steelers not break tradition and try to get the contract with Wilson done before the end of the year?

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk basically revealed why that would not happen, and it has nothing to do with the Steelers’ desire to make that deal happen or not. After being released by the Denver Broncos in the offseason, Wilson would be guaranteed $84 million up front, so he signed with the Steelers on the veteran minimum.

However, Florio says that any in-season extension would mess that guarantee up, something that Wilson does not want to happen.

“Per a source with knowledge of the situation, a new deal done during the 2024 season would complicate significantly the offset applicable to Wilson’s guaranteed pay from Denver this year. If Wilson did a deal during the season, some of that money would reduce what the Broncos owe him,” Florio wrote.

If the Steelers want him back, they will wait until after the season, but it is unknown if Wilson would instead hit free agency and see what he gets there before deciding on his future in Pittsburgh. The Steelers could also choose to franchise tag Wilson if that is the route they would like to go, but that seems unlikely.