The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of questions that still need answering at quarterback. Justin Fields and Russell Wilson both had solid performances during the 2024 season, but neither locked down the starting job for 2025. Both have expressed a desire to return to the Steel City, but with only one spot likely available, the team faces a tough decision. With both quarterbacks set to hit free agency, the Steelers must determine which player to prioritize and offer a significant contract.
Team President Art Rooney II added fuel to the fire when he spoke with the media on Monday. His comments strongly indicated that it’s unlikely both Fields and Wilson will return for the 2025 season. This has left Steelers fans on edge, eagerly awaiting a resolution on which quarterback will be chosen. The team’s next move will shape the future of their quarterback position and their approach to building a championship-contending team.
Rooney also addressed the possibility of the Steelers turning to the NFL Draft for a new quarterback. While Fields and Wilson remain options, the 2025 or even 2026 draft could present a more long-term solution for Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ front office is weighing all possibilities, and Rooney’s comments only heighten the anticipation surrounding the decision that could change the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
"Obviously we'll be looking in the draft as well," Rooney said. "We've got a whole quarterback room to fill and so there's jobs open in there and so I wouldn't be surprised if we look in the draft as well either this year or next."
The 2025 draft class is not shaping up to be particularly strong at quarterback. While there are some intriguing sleeper projects, Jalen Milroe and Jaxon Dart have been the two most frequently linked to the Steelers via the draft. Neither would be a universally popular choice among fans, but taking a chance on one of these raw talents later in the draft could be worth considering if the opportunity arises. There's also a very real chance Milroe and Dart climb up draft boards.
The 2026 NFL Draft class is expected to feature a much stronger group of quarterbacks. Arch Manning is widely regarded as the standout prospect of the class, though his stock will depend on his performance at Texas with increased opportunities. For the Steelers to land a top prospect in 2026, they would likely need a disastrous 2025 season, which adds another layer of complexity to their plans for the future.
Rooney seems confident that the immediate decision will come down to Wilson or Fields, with the 2025 or 2026 draft providing the next chance to find a long-term solution. Fields, at 25, remains an exciting option because of his raw talent. However, his inconsistency is a concern, as every highlight-worthy play is often offset by a frustrating mistake, leaving the Steelers with much to consider.
Steelers' Best Option At QB Might Just Be Justin Fields
The best option for the Steelers seems to be securing an affordable deal with Fields and moving forward with him as the starter for the 2025 season. This approach would allow the team to evaluate how the draft unfolds and potentially take a late-round flyer on a developmental quarterback. If neither of these options pans out and the team struggles under Fields, they could find themselves in position to pursue one of the top quarterback prospects in the highly anticipated 2026 draft class.
The Steelers find themselves in a challenging situation at quarterback. With significant decisions looming, it is becoming increasingly clear that drafting a quarterback is a very real possibility for Rooney and the organization. How they handle this offseason could shape the team’s future for years to come. Steeler Nation will be eager to see what choice the Steelers end up making at the most important position in football.
