Andrew Buller-Russ
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a challenging decision ahead. Move forward with Russell Wilson, who’s won a Super Bowl before but most recently led the Steelers to a 6-5 record? Wilson, who will turn 37 during the 2025 season, is a free agent. Pittsburgh has expressed an interest in bringing the 10-time Pro Bowl QB back.
Or should the Steelers re-attach themselves to Justin Fields, who led the team to a 4-2 record and will be just 26 when the season kicks off. A former first-round pick, Fields could have a lot of untapped potential, much like we’ve seen from other highly drafted quarterbacks who have found success elsewhere in their careers.
What about door No. 3? This would involve neither Wilson nor Fields re-signing with the Steelers, leaving Pittsburgh to pursue an even better solution under center. Yet, that’s exactly what the latest Steelers prediction has in store.
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Sam Darnold predicted to sign with Pittsburgh Steelers
Many assume the Pittsburgh Steelers will opt to re-sign one of Russell Wilson or Justin Fields for next season. Yet, that may not be the case at all after the team lost its final five games of the season.
What if the Steelers feel they can do better than their QB tandem from last year? After all, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith should get some say in the matter.
Another option could see the Steelers make a heavy investment into the QB position as ESPN’s Seth Walder recently predicted. His vision sees the Steelers sign Sam Darnold, who’s widely regarded as the best free agent quarterback available.
“Keeping Fields is a possibility, but if the Steelers really liked him, why did they continue to play Russell Wilson over him? And though I have some healthy skepticism of how Darnold will fare without Kevin O’Connell and Justin Jefferson, he’s arguably the best free agent quarterback available. The Steelers land him because they have the most to offer — a potentially very good defense, winning history under Mike Tomlin and the lack of a top pick (making them less likely to take a first-round rookie).”
ESPN predicting Pittsburgh Steelers to sign Sam Darnold
While he’s projected to sign a contract worth over $40 million annually, Darnold may not necessarily sign with the team that can offer him the most money.
After his horrifying experience of being drafted into the New York Jets’ organization, Darnold may prefer the team fit and having the confidence of knowing he’s joining a contender more than anything else. If so, why shouldn’t the Steelers be the favorites to sign the 2024 Pro Bowl QB?
Related: 2025 mock draft: Who should the Pittsburgh Steelers draft?
