The Pittsburgh Steelers are enjoying an 8-2 season that has featured two winning quarterbacks. Justin Fields started the year 4-2 when he filled in for the injured Russell Wilson. Fields' performance gave the Steelers a solid foundation, but when Mike Tomlin made the unpopular decision to bench him for Wilson, the offense seemed to open up even further. Wilson’s leadership and playmaking ability have sparked hope that the team can continue to build a strong offensive identity as the season progresses.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson and Justin Fields smile during Monday Night Football.
With Wilson now firmly back at the helm, the Steelers' future at quarterback appears to be leaning toward a long-term deal with him. Wilson’s improved play has convinced many that he is the answer moving forward. This could mean the Steelers will move on from Fields, as it would be financially impractical to pay two quarterbacks significant money. Although Wilson's return has been promising, the team remains in a state of flux as they assess their quarterback situation for the long term.
A new ESPN report from Ben Solak shows that New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones could also be in the mix for the Steelers. With the Giants facing uncertainty around Jones' future in New York, Pittsburgh could explore the possibility of bringing him in.
"I can see that future for Jones on a team with far better offensive infrastructure than he ever enjoyed with the Giants," Solak said. "I've heard the Jets mentioned, but I don't really like how that feels. I'm also keeping my eyes on the Steelers (current running favorite), Titans and Browns."
Jones has had his ups and downs but has shown flashes of talent, and his mobility could complement the Steelers' offensive scheme. As the quarterback situation continues to evolve, the Steelers will have some tough decisions to make in shaping their future. The Giants have made it public that Jones will be their third string quarterback.
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Steelers' TJ Watt forces a fumble on Giants' QB Daniel Jones in 2020.
The reason behind this decision is obviously because of Jones' play and the Giants record. However, it also likely had something to do with the $23 million injury guarantee in his contract for 2025 that becomes fully guaranteed if he gets injured and can't pass a physical.
The Giants will have an easier time moving on from Jones after the 2024 season. While he will carry a $22 million dead cap hit in 2025, it’s a far more manageable figure compared to the $69 million it would have been before this season. It now seems like Jones’ time in New York is coming to an end, and he will be looking for a new team.
Steelers Not Likely To Pursue Giants' Daniel Jones
The Steelers are satisfied with what they've seen from Wilson, but with him approaching 36, his future in Pittsburgh is uncertain. At 27 years old, Jones could offer the Steelers a longer-term solution at quarterback, though it's not without risks.
Jones has been in a challenging situation with the Giants, and after several seasons of mixed results, many are starting to label him a bust. The idea of Solak's is that in the Steel City maybe he could have the right tools to thrive.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields during a practice in 2024.
While Jones might have potential, the Steelers likely prefer keeping the 25-year-old Fields, who represents a younger, more promising option. It seems unlikely Pittsburgh would move on from both Wilson and Fields in favor of Jones, but as Solak suggests, it’s still a possibility the team could explore. The quarterback position in Pittsburgh remains fluid as they weigh their options for the future.
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