The Pittsburgh Steelers have quite the dilemma to face once the 2024 season comes to a close. Both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson will become free agents after their contracts expire unless they agree to a new deal with Pittsburgh before free agency opens up. Pittsburgh has been in quarterback-purgatory ever since Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement following the 2021 season, but the organization might finally have something special at the position with Wilson and Fields.
Both quarterbacks have played well for Pittsburgh when they have gotten the chance. Fields led the team to a 4-2 start to the year before being replaced by Wilson. Wilson has started two games, and gone 2-0 in those contests. Fields played well when given the chance, and it is important to note that he wasn't benched. Wilson was always supposed to be the starter, so once he returned to full health Head Coach Mike Tomlin gave him the starting role.
NFL insider Adam Schefter appeared on Rothman & Ice on Wednesday, where he was asked about Pittsburgh's quarterback situation moving forward. He was specifically asked about each quarterback's value after the 2024 season and who the Steelers could be leaning towards keeping in 2025. He agreed with the hosts when they suggested Wilson would be worth approximately $30 million per year in free agency.
"I think that that's not unreasonable" Schefter said. "Like Baker Mayfield, Daniel Jones, that kind of thing. If Russell has a good season I think that that's not unreasonable. I think he could be higher if Russell plays well, he could be lower if he doesn't right but lets call it $30 million, I don't think that's unreasonable for a quarterback that's playing well. And by the way, I can make a similar argument for Justin Fields, so the chances are they're not going to bring back both."
If Pittsburgh had its choice, the team would certainly bring back both Fields and Wilson. But paying roughly $30 million to two separate quarterbacks would be unprecedented. The Steelers will likely be forced to decide between Wilson and Fields, while the other quarterback finds a new home in free agency.
Steelers' Offseason Quarterback Decision Could Have Massive Ramifications
Both quarterbacks have played well for Pittsburgh, and there are a lot of team's across the league that would be happy to start either of them. However, Pittsburgh can choose just one for their future. This will be a tough decision, especially when the player's ages is taken into consideration. Wilson will be turning 36 at the end of November, while Fields is just 25. Wilson could be a solid quarterback for a couple years, while Fields has the potential to be the quarterback in Pittsburgh for the next decade.
Another factor to consider between the two quarterbacks is their athleticism. Wilson cannot move like he used to when he first entered the NFL, while Fields is one of the best runners at the quarterback position. The younger quarterback has run for over 1,100 yards in a season before and had five rushing touchdowns for Pittsburgh before being replaced by Wilson.
The quarterback position is much different that it used to be, it is almost becoming a necessity that a quarterback is able to use their legs to their advantage. It opens up the run game, and allows the quarterback to extend plays and get away from pressure. There are plenty of reasons to keep either quarterback, but it will all come down to how the 2024 season ends.
