The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to do their due diligence when it comes to any and all avenues of acquiring a starting quarterback for the 2025 season. This includes re-evaluating both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, while also taking a look at other available options either through free agency or a potential trade. The front office seems content with re-signing either Wilson or Fields to be the starting quarterback in 2025, but if a better option comes along it would be malpractice to not at least entertain the idea of going in a different direction.
The most likely scenario for the Steelers moving forward is that either Wilson or Fields will be the starter in 2025, but things always change throughout the offseason. On Sunday it was reported by Fox's Jay Glazer that the New York Jets had informed quarterback Aaron Rodgers that they intend to go in a different direction moving forward. There has been some speculation that Rodgers might retire ahead of the 2025 season, but him flying to New Jersey to meet with New York hints at a return to the NFL.
There are a few ways that the Jets can move on from Rodgers, one being a trade, however that seems out of the realm of possibility. His age paired with the way he played in 2024 makes no team want to take him on his current contract. The most likely form of parting ways will be a release with a post-June 1st designation, which will allow Rodgers to sign anywhere in free agency.
This is similar to how the Steelers initially signed Wilson during the 2024 offseason. He agreed to sign right before the beginning of free agency after being released by the Denver Broncos, a franchise that still owed him a ton of guaranteed money. Rodgers and Head Coach Mike Tomlin have always had a good back and forth when going against one another, which will lead many to pitch the idea that Rodgers will end up in Pittsburgh.
Rodgers' performance in 2024 wasn't very inspiring, and his age is a major concern. This would be a step in the wrong direction if the Steelers did ink a deal with the veteran quarterback. Pittsburgh needs to take considerable steps towards finding its franchise quarterback, and Rodgers has no chance of filling that role. Meanwhile, a 25-year-old in Fields is patiently waiting to re-sign in Pittsburgh. The choice could not be more obvious.
Steelers Keeping Justin Fields Is A Better Option Than Signing A Veteran
The Steelers have been trying to find a long-term solution at the quarterback position since the end of the 2021 season, and so far the organization has had no success. It seemed like Pittsburgh may have made some progress at the start of the 2024 season when Fields went 4-2 as a starter. He looked like he had improved as a passer from his time with the Chicago Bears, and his legs added a dynamic element to the offense. There were some struggles, but he was never given the chance to grow in the offense as Tomlin gave the job to Wilson.
Pittsburgh would already know if Fields was the team's future or not had he not been prematurely benched. Instead, the organization is debating whether or not to bring back Wilson or Fields, while also probably flirting with the idea of adding a veteran like Rodgers.
