The Pittsburgh Steelers made some unbelievable moves during the 2024 offseason. These included trading away Kenny Pickett, and signing Russell Wilson during free agency. Once the Wilson signing happened, many assumed the quarterback position was all set for the Steelers, but then General Manager Omar Khan acquired Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears. This move made the quarterback situation a bit murky for Pittsburgh, but it has certainly worked out as they possess a 7-2 record in 2024.
The quarterback situation in Pittsburgh has been one of the most talked about position groups in sports. Wilson got injured at the start of training camp which caused him to miss some time. In turn, that allowed Fields to display some of what he could do in black and gold. Before long, there were many fans clamoring for Fields to start, but it seems Head Coach Mike Tomlin always had the desire to start Wilson.
Wilson recently participated in an interview with Hannah Storm, where he admitted that he and Fields wanted to play together and spoke about it before the trade happened.
"I think the best part about it is that when I was able to come here, shortly after, Justin [Fields] and I were texting about places and this and that, and he ends up coming here, and we were talking about him coming here potentially."
Wilson was signed at the very beginning of free agency, and Fields wasn't traded until later on. The two have always been portrayed to have a good relationship, even with the constant back and forth about who should be the starter amongst fans. Wilson spoke more about how he and Fields have been in communication since the quarterback was at Ohio State.
Following the 2023 NFL season, it was clear that Fields and the Bears would be parting ways. Chicago had the number one overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and the chance to draft what many thought to be a generational prospect in Caleb Williams. It was clear Fields would be traded, but the Bears were going to do right by their former first-round pick. Bears General Manager Ryan Poles wanted to send Fields somewhere he had a chance to play, and a chance to improve. Pittsburgh was certainly that place.
The fourth-year quarterback was able to pick Pittsburgh, and some conversations with Wilson probably led him to making that decision. Things couldn't have gone better for Fields, as he gets to learn from one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the league and he got some quality playing time.
Fields started the first six games of the season for Pittsburgh and led the team to a 4-2 record. He did all of this while accounting for 10 touchdowns and throwing just one interception, which has typically been his kryptonite. Fields looked like an improved passer, and many would agree that the young quarterback certainly revived his career by coming to the Steelers.
Steelers Now Have An Interesting Decision To Make During The Offseason
Both Wilson and Fields are playing on expiring deals, and there is an argument to be made for the Steelers to keep either of them. Unfortunately for the organization, they likely won't be able to sign both players, as it would potentially be too expensive. Fields has certainly earned himself a decent-sized prove-it contract with a quarterback-needy team for the 2025 season, while Wilson might get another big deal to end his career.
Pittsburgh will need to decide between the two quarterbacks, even if the obvious pick right now is Wilson. The upside with Fields is limitless, and he would only be 26 during the 2025 season, which should certainly be a factor in the organization's decision.
