The Pittsburgh Steelers will need to make an important decision when it comes to the quarterback postion this offseason.
Due to a relatively weak draft class, the Steelers will have to likely either retain one of their two quarterbacks from last season in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields or pick up a different quarterback available in free agency.
With Sam Darnold being the only starting-caliber quarterback available in free agency at this point, the Steelers will likely retain one of their two options at the position from last year.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, it is trending towards Fields being the option for the Steelers as long as he wants to return.
"My sense coming out of New Orleans is that the door is open for a potential deal between the Steelers and free agent Justin Fields, but it would have to make sense for Fields, who, at this stage, will most likely want a more legitimate chance to start a full season." Fowler wrote.
Fields looked to be developing decently for the Chicago Bears before their selection of Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft sent him packing.
"I've seen a bunch of ex-Steelers players here in New Orleans, many of whom are well-versed in Steelers happenings." Fowler wrote. "They told me that some people in Pittsburgh's building prefer Fields over Russell Wilson -- who is also a free agent -- as the starter (which I had heard previously), due to age and mobility. Coach Mike Tomlin seems to have a loyalty to Wilson that could lead the team in that direction, though. Plus, Fields could have a sneaky good market and price himself out of Pittsburgh."
Fields offers youth and mobility, but it will be up to the Steelers to decide whether it is worth risking experience going into next season.
Insider reveals 'some people' in Steelers' building prefer Justin Fields over Russell Wilson
As the countdown to free agency continues, the Steelers are still weighing their quarterback options. An external addition should not be expected, but maintaining a Russell Wilson–Justin Fields tandem for 2025 would also be a surprise.
Owner Art Rooney II recently noted Pittsburgh will likely re-sign only one of Wilson or Fields this offseason while aiming to achieve continuity under center and also find a long-term solution at the QB spot. Wilson suffered a calf injury late in training camp, which allowed for Fields to handle starting duties for the first six weeks of the season. The former Bears first-rounder helped his stock within the organization during that 4-2 span, but Wilson took the over QB1 gig when healthy.
Head coach Mike Tomlin‘s decision on that front was not unanimous, an indication of the support Fields had to continue as starter and, potentially, to remain with the Steelers. Indeed, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports there are “some people” in the organization who prefer to re-sign the 25-year-old and by doing so allow Wilson to depart in free agency. The team is known to be interested in retaining Fields, so that update comes as little surprise.
Still, it became clear as the season wore on that Tomlin’s clear preference was for Wilson to remain atop the depth chart despite his and the team’s struggles down the stretch. The Steelers’ offense repeatedly came up short as a five-game losing streak ended their campaign in the wild-card round, illustrating the need for upgrades at several positions. Expectations would be tempered if Wilson, 36, were to remain in place – something which would require a more lucrative commitment than the veteran minimum salary he played for in 2024.
As Fowler notes, the prospect of an undisputed starting gig will no doubt be a top priority for Fields as he weighs his options. The Ohio State product has not developed as hoped as a passer during his career, but his age and rushing ability could make him one of the more intriguing QBs on the open market. Sam Darnold is the top option set to reach free agency, but a lack of proven passers (coupled with an underwhelming draft class) could leave Fields considering offers from a number of suitors.
One of those prospective teams could of course be the Steelers, especially if the sect in the organization which favors retaining him manages to convince Tomlin and/or general manager Omar Khan to go the younger route under center. Pittsburgh looms as a team to watch regarding a notable quarterback draft investment this year or next, as Rooney alluded to last month. Before a decision is made on that front, however, one will be required regarding Fields’ future.
