Gruden: Steelers' Justin Fields Just Isn't A Very Good "Passer Of The Football"; Russell Wilson Washed

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a ton of decisions to make during the 2025 offseason. Fans are anxious to see what happens at the quarterback position, as it seems safe to assume that a large chunk of the fan base does not want to see Russell Wilson back in the Steel City in 2025. It seems like Justin Fields signing a new deal in Pittsburgh is more likely, which is exciting considering the potential he has at the position. Pittsburgh will need to bring in some other figures to the quarterback room however, and the organization could even select a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Fields played well for the Steelers in 2024, and the quarterback showed considerable signs of growth as a passer. He led the Steelers to a 4-2 record as a starter, and a lot of the fan base was upset when he was replaced with Wilson. Pittsburgh is back where they were during the 2024 offseason, with zero idea of who its Week 1 starting quarterback will be. Former NFL Head Coach Jay Gruden recently went on the Broncos Country Tonight podcast, where he shared his thoughts on the quarterback position for the Steelers.

"I'm not sold on either Russell [Wilson] or Justin Fields to be honest with you," Gruden said. "I think Justin's had a couple opportunities. He's still young, he's athletic, I get it. He's just not a very good passer of the football in my opinion. But I don't know what to do. I think Russell's had his day in the sun. I think it's time to move on from Russell. I'd give Justin Fields the reigns and then try to draft somebody else and compete with him and go from there."

Wilson played well at times for the Steelers, but the veteran quarterback really crumbled during the last chunk of the season. Pittsburgh was in position to win the AFC North, and instead the group went on a four-game losing streak. The losing streak was not completely Wilson's fault, but he did not play well during that stretch of games.

Fans would like to see Fields back in the black and gold. He is significantly younger than Wilson, and his athleticism and mobility fits the direction the NFL is heading. The interesting part of Gruden's comment was that he would also draft a quarterback and bring them in as competition for Fields. The former coach didn't clarify when the Steelers should draft the quarterback, but there has been some chatter about Pittsburgh using a higher draft pick on a passer.

If the Steelers are also bringing back Fields, it is hard to imagine the organization would also use a high draft pick on a quarterback. This quarterback class isn't considered to be particularly strong, but there may be some diamonds in the rough later on in the draft. Some options for the Steelers, should they decide to wait to select a quarterback, could be Will Howard, or an exciting player like Jaxon Dart.

Steelers Re-Signing Justin Fields Would Be The Cheapest And Safest Option

There are some other free agent quarterbacks out there like Sam Darnold who may command a ton of money, however the Steelers have a much safer option in Fields. According to Spotrac, Fields should be projected to sign a one-year deal worth around $8.9 million. If the Steelers wanted, they could offer him a two-year deal as well. Fields is familiar with the system, assuming Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith does not land the head coaching job with the New York Jets.

Fields is looking for success in his NFL career, and he may be able to find it in Pittsburgh. He showed considerable growth during his first six starts, so it is hard to imagine he would leave to go elsewhere if he was wanted back by the Steelers.

What do you think about the Steelers holding a quarterback competition between Fields and a rookie? Let us know in the comments below!

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