Steelers' James Harrison Advises Pittsburgh To Find A QB That's "Truly Solid" To Create Any Change

The Pittsburgh Steelers will dive into another offseason with a lot of uncertainty at the quarterback position, with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields set to hit free agency. Wilson and Fields were both given opportunities to show the Steelers' front office if they were capable of having a future with the franchise, but neither blew anyone's socks off. A large portion of the Steeler Nation fan base hopes the team re-signs Fields to possibly be the team's quarterback next year after Wilson and the Steelers lost their final five games of the 2024 season. 

Many former Steelers legends have been very vocal about the team's late-season struggles over the years. Between the recent constant quarterback changes and questionable coaching, the Steelers have been unable to overcome their playoff-losing streak. James Harrison was asked about the current state of the franchise and how he thought the season ended, which was nothing short of disastrous. 

"I don't know, man. It's kind of become a pattern, and I don't know exactly what it is that they need to do to correct it, but something needs to be done," Harrison said. "I think the biggest thing for me, as a former Steeler, I think the biggest thing that needs to be done is we have to get that position of quarterback really rectified with someone that is truly solid through and through."

Harrison continued by acknowledging that Wilson and the offense didn't score enough points effectively, but the defense didn't do them any favors. The Steelers' defense had it's worst stretch of the year to close out the season, and that's been the story of Mike Tomlin's defense in the postseason. 

"I mean, Russ [Wilson] did a good job while he was in there, but when it came down to the end, we just couldn't keep up with being able to put points up, especially when the defense didn't play to the level that they were capable of," explained Harrison.

The Steelers will not find themselves having playoff success until they find their solidified quarterback of the future. 

Ben Roethlisberger is another former legend of the franchise that has shared his thoughts on the Steelers. In regards to the quarterback controversy, Roethlisberger recently explained how he has far more concerns about the lack of talent and firepower on offense as opposed to finding "the guy" to put under center. 

Roethlisberger has been very adamant throughout the entire year that the team needs to get another wide receiver behind George Pickens, who Roethlisberger questions if he will be on the roster in 2025. Pittsburgh will also likely lose running back Najee Harris in free agency, which strikes another hole in Pittsburgh's offense -- despite an expected return from Jaylen Warren. The upcoming offseason for Pittsburgh will have major implications, just as the 2024 offseason did. 

Steelers' Chances Of Re-Signing Justin Fields Rise

The Las Vegas Raiders just recently hired Pete Carroll to a three-year deal, which gives the organization their head coach for 2025. One of the Raiders' biggest upcoming challenges will be finding their next quarterback. Las Vegas' 2024 season included multiple different faces under center, including Gardner Minshew, Aidan O'Connell, and Desmond Ridder. Carroll and the Raiders currently hold the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and it's quite possible they use that pick on a young and exciting passer. 

It's also certainly possible that Carroll could be in search for a veteran quarterback instead of starting a rookie. Could Carroll have any serious interest in a reunion with his former quarterback? Wilson and Carroll spent 10 seasons together with the Seattle Seahawks and won a Super Bowl together in 2013. With the Raiders now becoming a possible landing spot for Wilson in 2025, Pittsburgh's chances of re-signing Fields jumped higher. 

What do you think the Steelers should decide to do at the quarterback position in the 2025 offseason? Does Harrison make a valid point about needing to rectify their quarterback of the future? Let us know in the comments below.

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