The Pittsburgh Steelers' season is inching towards its conclusion as Week 18 looms. While they prepare for their last regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals and the playoffs, the questions of 2025 are starting to come through the cracks. Out of all of the questions, the biggest one is who will be in the starting quarterback next season? They brought in three new quarterbacks last offseason after clearing house, including Russell Wilson on a cheap one-year deal, and trading a conditional sixth round pick for Justin Fields. The coaching staff has seen what both can do in a starting role and would love to have both come back next year, but what if Fields doesn't want to come back?
"Why would Fields want to come back and be a backup at age 26 (next year) when he can go somewhere else and potentially be the next Sam Darnold," said Kaboly.
Fields went 4-2 as the starter for the Steelers in the first six games of the season. While the passing accuracy was inconsistent at times, he was finding ways to win for Pittsburgh -- especially with his legs. Fields got the taste of being a starting quarterback once again this year and for a more competent organization, compared to the one that drafted him in the Chicago Bears. However, if the Steelers still want to ride with Wilson, Fields could move on from Pittsburgh for another opportunity to start somewhere else.
The Steelers still have used Fields in the last 10 games, despite giving the starting role to Wilson. Head Coach Mike Tomlin made it clear that Fields' legs are more explosive than Wilson and are a great weapon at their disposal. While Fields will do anything that the coaching staff asks of him to help the team win, being just a running option for a few snaps per game isn't likely what he will want to do for another season.
If the Steelers let Fields go in favor of Wilson, Fields could go into a favorable situation and flourish just like Sam Darnold did with the Minnesota Vikings. That could be another knock against Omar Khan if Fields has that type of turnaround and Father Time finally catches up with Wilson next season.
The Steelers are not thinking about the 2025 quarterback situation right now, they are solely focused on the Bengals and to end the season with some type of positive momentum. The offense has been sputtering the last three games and more pressure is on Wilson to get back on track. The big question for next season should find its answer with how the season concludes. If Wilson can help the offense regain it's rhythm and lead the Steelers to a deep playoff run, Fields finding a new home could be all but inevitable.
Steelers' Biggest Question Of The 2025 Season Needs An Answer Sooner Rather Than Later
While the Steelers will want to keep both Wilson and Fields for the 2025 season, they might have to choose one or the other. Both players are in different stages of their careers, but both are in need of starting roles. Wilson might only have two more good years of football left in him and Fields is about to hit the prime of his career.
The Steelers' end goal is to win a Super Bowl, so their decision on who leads the offense next season is based off who they believe gives them the best chance now, not five years into the future.
Who do you think the Steelers should re-sign in the offseason? Do you think it's a mistake to left Fields go in favor of Wilson? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
