The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of issues to fix during the 2025 offseason, and that was highlighted by the team losing its last five games of the 2024 season. There are a lot of areas of concern for the Steelers after the way the 2024 campaign ended, and at the top of the list is the quarterback position. Russell Wilson played well at times, but overall he went 6-6 as a starting quarterback and his lack of mobility really hurt the offense down the stretch. The organization could still decide to bring back Justin Fields instead of Wilson, but the veteran quarterback has been nothing but committed to Pittsburgh.
Wilson has been nothing but optimistic since landing in Pittsburgh during the 2024 offseason. Even when the Steelers were losing every game to end the season, the quarterback was seen cheering up his teammates and trying to motivate everyone until the final whistle blew.
This is what you want out of a leader, but the shtick became a bit played out. The Steelers were struggling, and Wilson seemed to be oblivious. This continued at the Pro Bowl Games, where Wilson spoke with Sirius XM and shared that he has a lot of hope for the Steelers moving forward.
"Obviously, we didn't finish the way we wanted to." Wilson said. "So you have a bitter taste in your mouth. But you also know we have a chance, that's for sure. We're not far away."
The veteran quarterback can't come out and declare that the Steelers stink, but he could have toed the line a little better rather than nearly labeling Pittsburgh a contender. The Steelers, at one point, were 10-3 during the regular season in 2024, but then they began to play some of the top teams in the NFL.
Double-digit losses to the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs proved that the Steelers have no right being in any conversation about future Super Bowl contenders.
Wilson is no realist. The Steelers organization is a mess at the moment. The philosophies of the coaching staff are outdated and played out, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin refusing to adapt to the current ways of the NFL will hold this team back as long as he is at the helm.
The veteran may not even be returning as the quarterback for the Steelers in 2025. A large portion of the fan base would prefer the organization bring back Fields, but it seems like the franchise has some interest in having Wilson return. Fields is the cheaper option, and he is more dynamic while showing major improvements as a passer. If he is able to continue to grow as a passer, there is not a single reason he should not be the starting quarterback for the Steelers in 2025.
Steelers' Losing Streak Falls On The Shoulders Of Wilson
Wilson was not a good quarterback when the Steelers lost their final five games of the season. He was sacked 18 times over those five games. Some of that is the offensive line's fault, but the quarterback was a statue in the pocket and he could not perform if there were defenders anywhere near him. Multiple drives were killed due to Wilson holding onto the ball for too long, and he really showed his age later in the season as he struggled to evade pressure.
In the modern-day NFL, team's need a somewhat mobile quarterback in order to succeed. All of the best teams have quarterbacks that can improvise and extend plays, which is where Fields plays his best. If Wilson returns in 2025 like he wants to, the Steelers will have another year of mediocrity, or worse.
Hopefully the veteran considers leaving for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, or anywhere else.
