Steelers Inching Closer To Making Unexpected Organizational Decision In 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a clear goal in mind during the 2024 offseason. The front office acknowledged that teams need an effective quarterback in today's NFL to win professional football games. This led to a complete overhaul of the room with Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph all exiting in different ways. The result was the signings of veterans Russell Wilson and Kyle Allen, as well as a trade for Justin Fields. It's safe to say that the decisions have paid off for General Manager Omar Khan. The franchise is now 7-2 entering a massive Week 11 contest against the Baltimore Ravens.

Many were ready to crown Fields as the quarterback of the future after the team started with a 4-2 record as Wilson was rehabbing a calf injury. Many in the fan base and media were questioning Head Coach Mike Tomlin's decision to start Wilson when he returned to full health. It's hard to argue with it now because Wilson has been phenomenal in his three games.

Some may believe that the Steelers are in a tough situation given the fact that all three signal-callers in the locker room are set to be free agents in the 2025 offseason. It still may be a little early to tell if Wilson's play can be sustained, but if the organization feels as if it can, then the team may have a new franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future.

The prospect of having Fields be a long-term answer is attractive, but the Steelers want to win Super Bowls now. Wilson's pedigree and efficient play in 2024 both have to have Khan and co. thinking about giving him the final big contract of his career. He is currently playing for the veteran minimum, which has undoubtedly served as an advantage for Pittsburgh.

Pundits across the league's landscape believed that Wilson was washed up after his questionable time with the Denver Broncos, but it's becoming more clear that he probably wasn't the issue during his two-year tenure there. The veteran thrived with the Seattle Seahawks when he was able to throw the ball downfield and rely on a good defense to shut opposing offenses down. That's exactly what is currently happening in the Steel City.

Any team coached by Tomlin is expected to minimize mistakes on the offensive side of the ball while taking advantage of an opportunistic defense. Tomlin recently signed a three-year contract extension, and the exact same thing may be coming Wilson's way. It's hard to put a number on what he may demand a year in free agency, but it does appear likely that the Steelers will focus on giving him a fresh contract, rather than Fields.

Many quarterbacks have played up until they turned 40, and it's possible that the same thing happens with Wilson. Someone is going to pay him if his consistent play continues, so why shouldn't it be the Steelers? It seems as if the locker room is in a great place, the team is winning, and Wilson has been near-perfect. It wasn't expected to be the outcome when both Wilson and Fields came to town, but it's becoming increasingly more likely.

Steelers Also Have Other Contracts To Give Out In 2025

The financial piece will have to be worked masterfully by Khan. The main reason for this is Pittsburgh has two other players to reward in the 2025 offseason. Both TJ Watt and George Pickens are expected to be extended, which will make the cap situation a little more difficult to maneuver. Cap space can be looked at as a bit of a myth, but quarterback contracts can cause some issues. Regardless, Wilson is playing like a man who wants to get paid in 2025, and he should be.

Do you think that Wilson will be the Steelers' quarterback for the next four or so seasons? Let us know in the comments below!

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