The Pittsburgh Steelers face a franchise-altering decision for 2025: Should they move forward with Russell Wilson or Justin Fields at quarterback?
After acquiring Fields in a trade with the Chicago Bears and signing Wilson to a one-year deal following his tumultuous tenure with the Denver Broncos, the Steelers’ quarterback situation took several unexpected turns in 2024.
Wilson was going to go into the season as the starter but missed the first six games with a calf injury. Fields stepped in and led the Steelers to a 4-2 record, throwing for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns while adding five rushing scores.
Despite Fields’ impressive performance, head coach Mike Tomlin returned to Wilson upon his recovery. The decision initially paid off as Wilson guided the Steelers to a 6-1 record in his first seven starts. However, the team then lost their final five games, including a 28-14 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round.
Wilson finished the season with 2,482 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions, earning his ninth Pro Bowl selection. Now, the Steelers must choose between the 36-year-old Wilson and the 25-year-old Fields.
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NFL insider divulges what ex-Steelers players are telling him about QB situation
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reports that “the door is open for a potential deal” between the Steelers and Fields, citing conversations with former Pittsburgh players.
“I’ve seen a bunch of ex-Steelers players here in New Orleans, many of whom are well-versed in Steelers happenings. They told me that some people in Pittsburgh’s building prefer Fields over Russell Wilson — who is also a free agent — as the starter (which I had heard previously), due to age and mobility,” Fowler noted.
However, one major obstacle could be Tomlin himself.
“Coach Mike Tomlin seems to have a loyalty to Wilson that could lead the team in that direction, though. Plus, Fields could have a sneaky good market and price himself out of Pittsburgh,” Fowler stated.
The NFL insider added that Wilson is “taking a see-what-happens” approach but remains open to returning.
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