In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, trade rumors and player transactions have become as much a part of the conversation as actual games. This offseason, two major stories have emerged from opposite sides of the spectrum. The first concerns the career trajectory of one of the league’s most recognizable quarterbacks, Russell Wilson, and whether his time in Denver is nearing its end. The second is about the Pittsburgh Steelers, a franchise that has been synonymous with stability, yet now finds itself asking the unthinkable question: could the team trade Mike Tomlin?
### Russell Wilson: A Once-Brilliant Career Now on the Decline?
Russell Wilson’s fall from being one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks to facing questions about his future has been swift and somewhat shocking. In 2022, Wilson made the high-profile move from Seattle to the Denver Broncos in a trade that shocked the league. At the time, many believed the Broncos had found their franchise quarterback—someone who could elevate the team and lead them back to prominence in the AFC. However, Wilson’s 2022 campaign was a disaster, marked by inconsistency, poor play, and a coaching change that led to the firing of Nathaniel Hackett.
2023 did little to ease the concerns surrounding Wilson. While new head coach Sean Payton was brought in to rejuvenate the offense, Wilson’s struggles continued. His performance in key moments was lacking, and his leadership, which had once been revered in Seattle, seemed to fall flat. The Broncos’ offense failed to meet expectations, and despite a strong defense, they couldn’t find their way into the playoffs.
Now, rumors are swirling that the Broncos could cut ties with Wilson sooner rather than later. The team’s $245 million investment in the quarterback has not paid off in the way they envisioned, and many believe that the organization may look for a fresh start at the most important position on the field. Wilson’s age (he’s 34 years old) and his contract—still loaded with guaranteed money—complicate any trade scenarios, but Denver may be forced to look for a way out of the marriage.
While a trade of Russell Wilson is still unlikely in 2024, the reality is that the Broncos could explore moving on from their quarterback in the near future. In a league where quarterback play is often the deciding factor between success and failure, a team like the Broncos cannot afford to continue down a path that doesn’t lead to victory. They might choose to enter a rebuilding phase, or they could make a bold move to acquire a younger quarterback who offers more upside.
Whether or not Wilson’s career is truly “done” is still up for debate. However, if his struggles persist, the Broncos could look to part ways with him and try to find a fresh start—both for their team and for Wilson’s personal career.
### Could the Steelers Really Trade Mike Tomlin?
Now, let’s shift gears and discuss an equally stunning topic: Could the Pittsburgh Steelers trade their long-time head coach, Mike Tomlin?
Mike Tomlin is one of the most respected and tenured coaches in NFL history. Since becoming head coach of the Steelers in 2007, Tomlin has led the team to a Super Bowl title, two Super Bowl appearances, and consistently kept Pittsburgh competitive year in and year out. Tomlin is known for his leadership, consistency, and ability to get the most out of his players. However, despite these successes, the Steelers are in a period of transition, and some observers have begun to ask if Tomlin’s time in Pittsburgh might be coming to a close.
First, let’s start with the state of the Steelers. As of 2023, Pittsburgh is a team in flux. The offense has struggled to find consistency, especially at the quarterback position. After Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers have rotated through quarterbacks with varying degrees of success—none of whom have shown the ability to lead the offense in a manner similar to Big Ben. Quarterback Kenny Pickett, drafted in 2022, still shows promise but hasn’t been able to elevate the offense in a meaningful way. Additionally, the offensive line is a work in progress, and the team lacks the offensive firepower it once had.
On the defensive side of the ball, Pittsburgh remains strong with stars like T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Heyward, but the team’s inability to find consistent success on offense has limited their ability to contend for a Super Bowl.
All of this has led to mounting pressure on Tomlin. While many will argue that Tomlin has done more with less in recent seasons and has kept the Steelers competitive despite their offensive struggles, the team’s performance in 2023 raised questions about whether his message is still resonating with players, and whether he is the right person to lead the Steelers into the future.
So, could the Steelers actually trade Mike Tomlin?
To be clear, this is an incredibly unlikely scenario. Tomlin is the longest-tenured head coach in the NFL, and he has cultivated a deep connection with the franchise. The Steelers are known for their stability, and ownership has historically been reluctant to make a coaching change unless absolutely necessary. Furthermore, Tomlin’s record of success is undeniable—he has never had a losing season in his tenure and has led the Steelers to the playoffs in 10 of his 17 seasons as head coach.
However, the dynamics of the NFL are constantly shifting. With the NFL becoming more and more of a “what have you done for me lately?” league, even the most respected coaches are not immune to criticism and change. If the Steelers fail to make significant progress, particularly on offense, and if the team’s performance in 2024 doesn’t improve, the pressure on Tomlin will continue to grow.
Additionally, there is the potential for a change in ownership or leadership within the Steelers organization that could lead to a reevaluation of Tomlin’s position. If a new general manager or team president decides that a new direction is needed, a coaching change could become a real possibility.
That said, a “trade” of Mike Tomlin would be uncharted waters for the NFL. Head coaches are rarely traded, and it would be a major shock to see such a well-respected figure move to another team via trade. However, if Tomlin ever did become available, it’s not hard to imagine other franchises lining up to acquire his services, given his track record of success and leadership.
### Conclusion: Is the NFL Changing?
Both Russell Wilson and Mike Tomlin are symbols of change in the NFL. Wilson’s career, once on a Hall of Fame trajectory, is now facing questions about its future. The Broncos may look for a change at quarterback, but whether or not that happens remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Tomlin, a coach synonymous with Pittsburgh, is facing increased scrutiny as the team struggles to find its way post-Ben Roethlisberger.
The NFL is a league where nothing is guaranteed, and even the most iconic figures are susceptible to being part of the ever-changing landscape. Whether it’s Wilson’s uncertain future in Denver or the possibility of a major shift in Pittsburgh with Tomlin, the coming seasons will be a fascinating watch. One thing is certain: in the NFL, no one’s job is ever completely safe, and change is often just around the corner.
