Russell Wilson seems to refute rumors about Steelers' Justin Fields plans

As recently as Monday, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated suggested that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson "is probably going elsewhere" at some point after the new league year opens on March 12, in part because Pittsburgh seemingly wants to re-sign backup Justin Fields. 

It appears Wilson wants it known that's not necessarily the case. 

"I was with Russell on Friday and I'm just telling you, the tone that I got from him was entirely different than reports that are out there," ESPN's Adam Schefter said about Wilson's future during a Monday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," as shared by Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. "We'll see what winds up happening, whether or not he's back there."

The perception exists that "there’s definitely split opinion on" Wilson within the Steelers after his working relationship with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith reportedly deteriorated amid Pittsburgh's five-game losing streak that lasted through a wild-card playoff defeat at the Baltimore Ravens. 

It's believed Wilson's "biggest supporter" in Pittsburgh is head coach Mike Tomlin. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote in January that it was unlikely at that time that Tomlin and Co. would pursue potential free agents such as Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets, Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons and Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings as potential replacements for Wilson and Fields. 

Both Wilson and Fields are set to reach free agency in March. 

"...I think he feels like there's definitely a chance he's gonna be back there," Schefter added about Wilson possibly re-signing with the Steelers. "He's having conversations with the organization about the future and where it's gonna go. Now again, there's still a lot that's gonna play out here, but I think he definitely thinks that he may be back in Pittsburgh."

Somewhat interestingly, Steelers/NFL reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala of CBS Sports strongly hinted last week that Wilson was essentially using media sources "to perhaps try to create a market here in Pittsburgh for his services" after the club collapsed with the one-time Super Bowl champion in the lineup. 

On Monday, Breer said his "sense" was that Wilson speaking with insiders such as Schefter about Pittsburgh's possible quarterback plans "wouldn’t be very well received by the Steelers as they mull their future at the position." 

All that's certain regarding this matter as of the second Tuesday of February is that time's running out for Tomlin to make a Wilson-or-Fields call before both hit the open market.