The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the more intriguing teams in the NFL going into the 2025 offseason. There are a ton of positions on the roster that need to be addressed, but none are more important than quarterback. It is difficult to compete in the NFL without a high-end quarterback, and the Steelers haven't had that kind of play at the position since the 2018 season. The organization has many options to consider, including Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or acquiring a veteran via trade or through free agency. The fan base has made its opinion pretty clear, and most of Steeler Nation wants to see Fields running the show in 2025.
It is hard to tell how the organization feels about the two quarterbacks that started games for the Steelers in 2024. Team President Art Rooney II made it clear the franchise would like to bring back one of the two quarterbacks, but it remains a mystery as to which one it will be.
Common sense would say the clear choice is Fields, but the Steelers don't usually operate that way. Insider Jeremy Fowler reported on SportsCenter on Friday that there is interest from Fields and the organization on a new deal, but Fields needs some assurances.
"This one's complicated because I do know that there's some sentiment in the building for bringing back Justin Fields." Fowler said. "Both sides, Fields and the Steelers, are certainly open to a potential reunion. Fields wants a realistic shot to start. He wants a clear path to be the guy for the full season, which he was not last year."
Fields was traded for after the organization had already signed Wilson in free agency. Wilson was the front runner to be the starter, but it was said by Head Coach Mike Tomlin that Fields would have a chance to compete for the starting job.
Most of the time, when Tomlin announces a position battle, there isn't really one. He is so stubborn and the coach already has his mind made up. Fields could have come out and thrown five touchdowns a game in the preseason and Tomlin still would have listed Wilson as the starter on the depth chart.
Fields did get the opportunity to start at the beginning of the 2024 season, but only because Wilson was forced to miss the first six contests due to injury. The young quarterback led the team to a 4-2 record, and he looked like a much improved passer from his time with the Chicago Bears. During his six starts, Fields completed 66 percent of his passes for 1106 yards, five touchdowns and he also ran for five touchdowns while throwing just one interception.
Tomlin decided to switch to Wilson after Week 6, and it looked like the right move initially. Wilson got the team to a 10-3 record, but things fell apart quickly. The offense did not score over 17 points over the last five weeks of the season as the team lost five games in a row. Wilson's time in Pittsburgh did not end well, but it is time that Fields finally gets a fair shot at the starting job.
Steelers' Fields Needs To Be Given A Chance
Fields fits the mold of the modern quarterback in the NFL. He is mobile, and his legs add another element to the offense when he is on the field. It is hard to compete in the NFL without a top-tier, franchise quarterback, and Fields could be that for the Steelers. He is inexpensive, and a years worth of starting will tell the organization all it needs to know. If things go poorly the Steelers can attack the position in the 2026 NFL Draft, but if things go smoothly, Pittsburgh is set for the future.
