The Pittsburgh Steelers reworked their quarterback room this offseason by replacing Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. While the swaps are widely viewed as a quarterback upgrade, it appears both quarterbacks aren’t necessarily locks to make the roster.
Once Pittsburgh declines the $25.664 million option on Fields for the 2025 season, it will not have any long-term ties to either quarterback on the roster. Wilson is owed just $1.21 million this season, the veteran minimum, while Fields holds a $3.233 million cap hit.
Related: Pittsburgh Steelers might’ve already made big decision on Justin Fields’ future
The Steelers have one of the cheapest quarterback rooms in the NFL and the expectation is that Fields and Wilson will compete for the starting job in training camp. However, there is reportedly no guarantee that the loser of the quarterback competition remains on the roster for the regular season.
During an appearance on NFL Live, ESPN’s insider Adam Schefter revealed that one NFL executive believes the Steelers might cut Wilson before the regular season if he proves he can’t win the starting job in training camp.
“I even had an executive say if Justin Fields outplays Russell Wilson during training camp, they could see Russell Wilson, them moving on from him before the season. Like there’s a whole range of possibilities. We know that Russell Wilson goes in as the starter, but again, they’re going to let the competition play out and we’ll see where it goes.”
Adam Schefter on the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback situation
Related: Pittsburgh Steelers intend to ‘reward’ Russell Wilson in 2025
As Schefter noted, the Steelers’ organization is making it clear right now that Wilson is the front-runner to be the starting quarterback in 2024. Pittsburgh acquired him first and he was first told he would be the starter, but the coaching staff is also high on Fields and he could develop into their long-term quarterback option.
The issue for Wilson is the very contract he signed. Because the nine-time Pro Bowl selection wanted the Denver Broncos to be financially responsible for paying him $38 million this season, he agreed to take the minimum from Pittsburgh. However, that also means releasing him would have a minimal salary cap impact for the Steelers. If he doesn’t perform this summer, it’s at least possible the Steelers move on from him. However, the team’s early confidence in him suggests he’s far more likely to remain on the roster.
