The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very promising quarterback room entering the 2024 season, and the situation worked out for the majority of the year. Justin Fields impressed some during his six-game stint as the starter is relief of an injured Russell Wilson, and Wilson had a good string of games after he recovered from what was ailing him. The organization made it clear after the season concluded that re-signing either of the quarterbacks from the 2024 roster was the most optimal situation, but that didn't work out in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers made their first choice clear as the organization made serious efforts to re-sign Fields ahead of free agency during the 2025 offseason. The quarterback wanted to test his market, and he wound up signing a two-year deal with the New York Jets.
Wilson never seemed to be a real option for Pittsburgh despite the comments made after the season, and he signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants. Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about this situation at the NFL's Owners Meetings on Sunday.
At one point during the 2024 season, the Steelers had a 10-3 record and were leading the AFC North while also controlling their own fate in pursuit of the one-seed in the AFC. During that time it seemed like a no-brainer that Wilson would be re-signed to a multi-year deal after the season, but things fell apart when the veteran's play declined and the Steelers lost their final five games of the season.
The way the season ended turned the Steelers off of re-signing Wilson, and after Fields signed elsewhere the organization turned its efforts towards Aaron Rodgers. The franchise is still waiting for the four-time league MVP to make a decision on his future, but he seems like the leader to be the starting in Pittsburgh in 2025.
Tomlin's answer to the media pointed out the ever-changing ebbs and flows of life in the NFL. At the end of the day it is one big business, where franchises are going to do what is best for them while players have their own interests as a priority. Fields had the opportunity to make more money with the Jets while essentially being guaranteed the starting role, which led to him leaving Pittsburgh.
Wilson on the other hand some run ins with the coaching staff in Pittsburgh. It was reported that he and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith did not always see eye-to-eye, which could have been a driving factor in the organization not wanting him back.
Steelers Lost Out On Multiple Quarterbacks During The 2025 Offseason
Pittsburgh lost the bidding war to New York in an effort to retain Fields' services, but the organization also struck out elsewhere. It was interested in Matthew Stafford while the Los Angeles Rams were contemplating trading him, and the organization also extended an offer to Sam Darnold before he ultimately signed with the Seattle Seahawks.
As of now the starter for Pittsburgh would be Mason Rudolph, who the organization brought back in free agency after one year away from the team. The fan base is on the edge of their seats as it awaits any news related to Rodgers, but the most likely way of acquiring the next starting quarterback in Pittsburgh might just be the 2025 NFL Draft.
