Will Justin Fields stay with the Steelers? Some in Pittsburgh want him back, but Russell Wilson’s future is unclear. The team must decide its next steps at quarterback.
There is a chance that quarterback Justin Fields will stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency this offseason. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the “door is open” for Fields to return, but he may want to go to a team where he can start all season.
The Steelers got Fields in a trade with the Chicago Bears last year. He started the first six games of the 2024 season but became a backup when Russell Wilson returned from injury.
Some people in the Steelers organization prefer Fields because he is younger and more mobile. But head coach Mike Tomlin is reportedly loyal to Wilson, which could mean Wilson stays instead.
Also Read: Brandon Graham Activated Off Injured Reserve Ahead of Super Bowl LIX
Wilson is open to staying in Pittsburgh, but he may leave for another team. The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants could be interested in signing him.
Fields, who turns 26 in March, was picked 11th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Bears. He struggled in Chicago, winning just 10 of 38 games as a starter. However, he showed great running ability in 2022, rushing for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Bears traded Fields to the Steelers before drafting Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick in 2024. Fields competed with Wilson for the starting job but lost. When Wilson got injured, Fields started six games, helping the Steelers go 4-2.
During those games, Fields completed 66.3% of his passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. He also ran for 231 yards and five touchdowns.
When Wilson came back, the Steelers won four games in a row. But they lost their last four games and were eliminated from the playoffs after losing 28-14 to the Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers never have high draft picks under Tomlin, which makes it hard to draft a top quarterback. This year, they have the No. 21 pick, which likely won’t be high enough to get a top prospect like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders.
Because of this, the Steelers must choose a quarterback in free agency. They could re-sign Fields or Wilson, or they could sign another player like Sam Darnold, one of the best free-agent quarterbacks.
No matter who the quarterback is, the Steelers need better wide receivers. In 2024, only George Pickens had more than 548 yards, so adding more talent at receiver should be a big focus for the team.