The Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as their new quarterbacks for the 2024 NFL season. It was debated throughout the offseason who was better suited to lead this unit. Fields was given a chance to prove himself while Wilson dealt with a calf injury. Fields did a solid job, leading the team to a 4-2 record, but when Wilson returned to full health, Mike Tomlin made a tough decision. Tomlin handed the keys to Wilson, a move that initially seemed like a stroke of genius.
Wilson’s early performance made the decision look justified, as he led the offense with some impressive moments. However, the Steelers’ recent three-game skid has raised serious concerns. Wilson has started showing signs of his struggles from his first year with the Denver Broncos, making poor decisions and struggling to maintain consistency. Though he's still shown flashes of brilliance, the losses have put his future with the Steelers into question.
It seemed almost certain that Pittsburgh and Wilson would agree to a new deal after the season, but the recent losing streak has complicated things. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo shared his prediction on how Pittsburgh will handle the situation. The Steelers' decision will likely hinge on Wilson's performance over the final stretch of the season, with the fate of one of the most important positions in football possibly being decided by a few crucial games.
"If they believed Fields had more upside, he would be playing now," Fittipaldo said. "They saw what he was and decided the offense could be more productive with Wilson. And it was until Wilson started to have some ill-timed turnovers in recent weeks. So I think this has less to do with Fields and more to do with Wilson and what they think of him."
Fittipaldo still believes the Steelers are eager to have a future with Wilson, but the playoff run and his performance in the regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals will be crucial.
Wilson has had his share of ups and downs, but he’s also demonstrated an ability to bounce back from adversity. While the sample size remains small, the next few weeks will be pivotal in determining how the Steelers move forward at the quarterback position.
"My best guess at this point is they'll make a push to sign him, but obviously the playoff performance will play a role in that and how strong of a push it is," Fittipaldo said.
The Steelers are unlikely to keep both Wilson and Fields, making this decision incredibly high-pressure. At 36 years old, Wilson is on the back end of his career, and while some teams have tried to make it work with an older quarterback, it has almost never panned out—unless your name is Tom Brady.
Fields, on the other hand, is just 25 and while he has his flaws, his potential and long-term upside are far more promising. Fields has shown some great arm talent but some believe he doesn't have the right instincts to make it in the NFL. Other pundits believe in the right system, Fields can be very special.
Steelers Risk Missing Out On Justin Fields If They Move Forward With Russell Wilson
Choosing Wilson would mean passing on a unique talent with plenty of room to grow. With just a few years, at most, left in his prime, Wilson's future is uncertain. His playoff performance will be a major factor in determining whether he returns to the Steel City for the 2025 season.
Steelers fans are desperate to end their playoff drought, and if Wilson can lead them there, he may earn himself another year. But if he falters and the team falls short, it’s likely his time in Pittsburgh will come to an end.
