The Pittsburgh Steelers have a decision to make under center, and depending on who you ask, the options range from dreadful to totally acceptable.
First on the Steelers’ list of priorities is deciding on which of 2024’s passers should get the opportunity to return. Russell Wilson took the starting job after Week 6, won six of his first seven starts, and started the team’s playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. However, Justin Fields played well in his six starts, too.
There’s a good chance at least one returns in 2025, but bidding wars and team fits could land Pittsburgh with a new quarterback for the upcoming season.
Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward doesn’t seem too eager to introduce himself to a new passer.
Ahead of free agency, Heyward revealed his bold Steelers quarterback take on his podcast, “Not Just Football.”
"I hope not, I don't like the other choices," Heyward said.
Heyward wants one of last season’s passers back, and his feelings are understandable. The cast of quarterbacks available in March is plentiful, but not inspiring. Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is likely to command a multi-year deal after his first successful season. Gardner Minshew was just released, Daniel Jones will garner interest, and a cast of backups like Jameis Winston, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Jarrett Stidham might get another chance to start.
None of those seem likely to end Pittsburgh’s playoff win drought.
At the very least, Fields and Wilson have continuity and some proof of concept to their name. Both kept the offense afloat – at least enough to win double-digit games – and could grow more comfortable with a second year in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system.
The Steelers ranked 19th and 22nd in expected points added per dropback and success rate, respectively, in 2024. Heyward is probably right that Fields and Wilson are among the best available options to meet or improve upon that mark next season.
Pittsburgh doesn’t yet know who will lead the huddle in Week 1, but the rest of the offseason should fall in line after the quarterback is selected. That includes revamping the running game and, perhaps more importantly, making a splash at receiver, which might prove to be the X-factor to the 2025 offense.
