Entering the 2024 offseason, no one would have been able to predict what the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation was going to end up looking like. A room of Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph was revamped into one with Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen. It has worked out for Head Coach Mike Tomlin, as Fields started the year with a record of 4-2 and Wilson has been incredibly consistent since taking over following his recovery from a calf injury. Questions have come up about the organization's plan moving forward, with two formidable signal-callers on the current roster.
Fields is an attractive option because of his age and athleticism, but it's hard for the fans to not root for Wilson to get one final big contract at the professional level because of his recent play. It's a good problem to have for the Steelers, but the franchise's unwritten rule of not negotiating contracts in-season could end up hurting it once the offseason rolls around.
A little bit more clarity was thrown into the situation on Sunday when respected NFL insider Ian Rapoport gave an update on Pittsburgh's plans for the 2025 offseason. While a name wasn't specified, it's safe to say that the Steelers have plans to bring back one, or both.
"Sources say Pittsburgh's starting QB for next season is likely already on the roster," Rapoport wrote. "Russell Wilson has gone a long way toward putting himself in position for that role with his performance since taking over the starting job for the AFC North-leading Steelers."
It sure seems as if Rapoport is hearing from league sources that Tomlin and co. do plan to bring back one of the quarterbacks, and the insider even went a step further to write that Wilson is currently the favorite.
"As of now, based on his status and play, Wilson appears to be the leading candidate. This upcoming offseason, if the Steelers want to bring back Wilson -- and it seems like they will -- they'll have to negotiate a new contract, and the franchise tag is also an option for any free agent whose team is attempting to re-sign him."
Fans may react negatively simply due to the fact that Wilson will turn 37 in 2025, but a deal of three years and roughly $100 million is absolutely worth it if it solidifies Pittsburgh as a contender over the course of the next few seasons. Wilson's play has been exactly what the Steelers needed it to be in order to compete in a watered down AFC.
Rapoport's Sunday morning report didn't specifically detail what's going on in the minds of the Steelers' front office, but the clear point made is that sources do believe that Pittsburgh is committing to either Wilson or Fields for 2025 and beyond. The interesting part of the situation is that Pittsburgh will be put on a clock once the season ends, and could have to use the franchise tag if neither signal-caller agrees to a deal.
Steelers May Have Two 2024 Quarterbacks Return In 2025
It's very likely that Fields moves on to a different team if Wilson signs a long-term deal with Pittsburgh. However, consistency is key and Allen has been a nice addition to the quarterbacks' room. If Wilson does indeed sign a fresh contract to remain in the Steel City, fans shouldn't be surprised if Allen follows with a one-year deal for himself.
It's unfortunate to foresee Fields leaving town to be a starting quarterback in a different city, but that's the reality of the NFL. Fields stepped up and helped the Steelers to start the 2024 campaign strong, but it's quite possible, based on Rapoport's reporting, that the team is already envisioning a 2025 roster that features Wilson running the show.
