Free agent quarterback Russell Wilson is scheduling a visit to a team that he has not been strongly linked to.
Wilson plans to visit the Cleveland Browns this week, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Pelissero noted that Wilson remains in play with the Pittsburgh Steelers as well.
Ten-time Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson is expected to visit the #Browns this week, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2025
Wilson, 36, finished last season as the #Steelers’ starter and is still in the mix to return there. For now, he’s visiting an AFC North rival. pic.twitter.com/Vb9chPM6cX
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Wilson also plans to visit the New York Giants following his stop in Cleveland.
Sources: Free-agent QB Russell Wilson is scheduled to fly tonight to Cleveland to visit with the Browns on Thursday, before being scheduled to fly to New York on Thursday night to visit Friday with the Giants. pic.twitter.com/5mKkcqV4ja
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2025
Wilson and the Browns do make some sense, but had not been strongly linked to each other up to this point. Cleveland was thought to be targeting Kirk Cousins as a veteran quarterback, but the Atlanta Falcons may have complicated that pursuit on Wednesday. If that is the case, it would make sense for the Browns to look elsewhere, at least for the time being.
Similarly, Wilson’s market does not appear to be robust. He is essentially the backup option for teams like the Steelers and New York Giants that are waiting on a decision from Aaron Rodgers. The Browns were not thought to be in that group of teams that might pursue Wilson, but things may be changing, especially if Wilson’s demands turn out to be modest.
Wilson played 11 games for Pittsburgh last season. He threw for 2,482 yards with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions, but played poorly down the stretch and significantly hurt his free agent value. Still, he knows the division, and could serve as a competent stopgap for the Browns, whose quarterback situation remains an absolute mess despite their previous attempts to solve it.
