The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback room for the 2025 season will be very interesting. Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are free agents next offseason, so it will be interesting to see how the organization treats the quarterback situation as they prepare for the 2025 campaign.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson ahead of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024.
Both Wilson and Fields have played well when called upon for the Steelers, and it has become clear that Wilson will likely be given a new deal during the offseason to return as the quarterback for the Steelers. Fields could return as his backup, but depends what the young quarterback can find on the open market as he is likely seeking a starting job.
Jeff Howe, an NFL insider for The Athletic, recently wrote about how the Steelers have one of the best rosters in the league, which makes Pittsburgh an attractive spot to play quarterback.
"They’ve again shown this season their roster is capable of contending with the right quarterback in place, and the Steelers will likely be the most attractive team to the veterans on the market," Howe wrote.
Pittsburgh has been one of the better teams in the AFC throughout the 2024 season, and a lot of that has to do with Wilson. However, the stifling defense in Pittsburgh is easy to play with. The Steelers have a turnover margin of +18, which is a stat that could make any quarterback want to suit up in the black and gold. Pair that defense with an up and coming offensive line, a solid running attack, George Pickens, and Pat Freiermuth - and the Steelers are a pretty desirable spot to play quarterback.
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Steelers quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields during practice in 2024.
Pittsburgh's situation with Wilson can go a lot of different ways during the 2025 offseason. The veteran quarterback could demand a lot of money or flirt with the idea of going elsewhere in order to gain some leverage over the organization. Negotiations could easily go south if the two sides don't see eye-to-eye with one another, which may open the door to Pittsburgh exploring other quarterback options.
There should be plenty of veteran quarterbacks on the open market during the 2025 offseason. Plenty of quarterbacks should welcome the idea of playing in Pittsburgh. It is a historically successful organization and has a roster that could win now, which might be attractive for veteran quarterbacks looking for a home.
The most likely outcome is that Wilson is still the Steelers quarterback in 2025, and Fields may even still be backing him up. However, contract situations are tricky. Things can easily end badly if it is not treated as a priority by the organization.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson celebrates with wide receiver George Pickens during a 2024 regular season game.
Steelers Could Also Look For A Quarterback During The 2025 NFL Draft
Even if the Steelers do re-sign Wilson, the quarterback is 36-years old. He is certainly no the tail-end of his career and assuming he will play more than two more years at a high level is a bit ridiculous. Howe knows this, and he shared in his article that the Steelers could explore the quarterback position during the 2025 NFL Draft.
"The Steelers could still go the draft route if someone they like is still on the board, whether it’s later in the first round or with a Friday selection," Howe wrote. "But that should be with more of a long-term vision."
Pittsburgh could address the future of the position in the draft, with the intention of having Wilson return as the starter during the 2025 season. Drafting a young quarterback with a Day 1 or Day 2 pick could put a strain on the organization's relationship with Wilson, but it is likely the right move.
What do you think about veterans viewing Pittsburgh as an attractive place to play? Let us know in the comments below!
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