Former Patriots star claims Russell Wilson broke Steelers locker room just like in Seattle

Russell Wilson is perhaps in troubled waters. He started his Pittsburgh Steelers career in sharp fashion, winning four straight, but ran out of steam fast. With the Steelers taking stock, the quarterback's future is uncertain.

One former Patriots star doesn't believe Wilson is the best fit. Speaking on "Pro Football Talk," on Tuesday, Devin McCourty spotlighted what he believed to be fractures in the locker room, suggesting that Wilson was the culprit.

"It never seemed like it was a really good vibe in Seattle with everything they had going on," he said. "As good as that team was, it just felt like it was never a true cohesive locker room when it comes to Russell Wilson and the rest of the guys in the locker room. We don't normally look and we see Cam Heyward and different players talking about we're not all on the same page.

"I know George Pickens is kind of in a category of his own right now. ... They asked him, 'is he optimistic about [the offense] next year?' He said 'no.' ... Are you not optimistic because you think the quarterback's coming back? Do you want another quarterback?" he added. [74.1] PFT

For about a month, George Pickens and Wilson's moonballs were the headline of the team and one of the biggest mid-season storylines in the NFL.

However, by New Year's Eve, the air had been let out of the Pittsburgh Steelers' balloon following the team's five-game losing streak.

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Russell Wilson on pace to re-enter free agency for second consecutive year

Russell Wilson at Wild Card Playoffs: Pittsburgh Steelers v Baltimore Ravens - Source: Getty

Russell Wilson's situation with the Steelers is not all that different from what Mike McCarthy just went through with the Cowboys. Both had contracts set to expire and both failed to get a new deal done before the end of the season. McCarthy is now out the door, leaving Wilson to learn if he will complete the comparison with his exit.

Without a new deal in place, Wilson will re-enter the offseason with an uncertain future for the second time in two years. Many believed he had lucked out by landing with Mike Tomlin after spending most of his early career with Pete Carroll and Sean Payton.

Now, after spending most of his career with brand-name coaches, will he be able to log either a new contract with Tomlin or find another veteran, winning coach?