The Pittsburgh Steelers must decide between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as free agency looms, with neither QB cementing their role as a long-term starter.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the 2025 offseason with a big question mark at quarterback. Both their 2024 starter, Russell Wilson, and backup, Justin Fields, are set to hit free agency.
The problem? Neither has locked down the role of the team’s long-term answer under center.
Fields stepped in for Wilson during an injury and posted a respectable 4-2 record as a starter. However, he didn’t perform at a level that clearly outshined Wilson. Wilson, meanwhile, started his Steelers career strong but struggled in the final five games of the season, leaving the team uncertain about his future in Pittsburgh.
The general belief is that if either quarterback returns, it will be as the starter for 2025. However, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio has a different take, suggesting the Steelers might bring one of them back as a backup instead.
“I think the guy’s gonna be the backup, too,” Florio said about Wilson and Fields. “I think that’s the reality. They’re going to look for a starter elsewhere. They want to keep one of the other two to be the No. 2. That’s my guess.”
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Steelers Likely to Choose Between Wilson and Fields
Steelers owner Art Rooney II addressed the situation, noting it’s unlikely the team brings both quarterbacks back.
“I wouldn’t close the door, but I’d say it’s probably unlikely,” Rooney told ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “I think both of them see themselves as starters, and I don’t know that they want to share the same job again next year. So, I would say most likely we probably don’t wind up bringing them both back.”
That’s where Florio’s theory hits a snag. Wilson and Fields both likely see themselves as starters, and it’s hard to imagine either returning if they’re only offered a backup role. Both quarterbacks are expected to draw interest from teams willing to give them a shot at starting.
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What’s Next for Pittsburgh?
The most realistic scenario seems to involve the Steelers choosing one of the two to be their starter in 2025. From there, they’d likely sign a veteran to serve as the backup. Meanwhile, the team could also explore drafting a young quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft as a long-term solution.
Whether it’s Wilson, Fields, or someone else leading the team next season, the Steelers have a lot riding on this decision. With questions at quarterback and a competitive AFC landscape, Pittsburgh will need to make the right call to remain in contention.
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