T.J. Watt, Russell Wilson raise questions about Steelers' future

Where do the Pittsburgh Steelers go from here?

A valid question in the mind of All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt, who vented frustration stemming from the latest brief appearance in the postseason with multiple versions of the rhetorical question.

"It gets more and more frustrating as the years go by," Watt said Monday as players packed to start the offseason two days removed from a wild-card loss at Baltimore. "Tough conversations need to be had. We can't keep doing the same thing and expect different results. That's starting with myself."

The Steelers ended the season on a five-game losing streak, fading from first place in the AFC North with four consecutive losses prior to dropping the playoff game in Baltimore.

Quarterback Russell Wilson experienced his first postseason defeat with Pittsburgh, a 28-14 loss to the Ravens that runs the franchise playoff drought to six consecutive games. The last playoff win for head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers was an 18-16 win over the Chiefs in January 2017.

Released by the Broncos at the end of the 2023 season, Wilson signed a team-friendly, one-year deal with the Steelers and is eligible to become a free agent in March.

He informed the Steelers he wants to return, but said Monday he understands Pittsburgh must follow "a process" to determine what's next at a position unsettled since Ben Roethsliberger retired following the 2021 season.

"That's the plan," Wilson said when asked if he wanted to stay in Pittsburgh. "I love it here and everything else. I think we have a great football team. Obviously, it didn't end the way we wanted it to, and I think there's a lot more to do."

Backup quarterback Justin Fields is also eligible for free agency. He was acquired from the Chicago Bears and started the first six games of the regular season, leading Pittsburgh to a 4-2 record while Wilson recovered from a calf injury.

--Field Level Media