The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a tricky spot at quarterback. Since Ben Roethlisberger retired, the Steelers have been searching for stability at the position, but haven’t found much success. In 2024, they brought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, two experienced quarterbacks who came at a bargain. However, looking ahead to 2025, keeping either one will require a much bigger financial commitment. All signs point to Wilson being gone after this season, leaving Fields as the likely candidate for a contract extension.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson throws the football while Justin Fields looks on during a practice in Pittsburgh.
On Thursday, NFL analyst Tyler Brooke of The 33rd Team weighed in on Fields’ potential future. While many expect the Steelers to extend him, Brooke believes there’s a real chance they move on. If that happens, Fields could become one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in free agency. It's a pretty weak market. Brooke specifically mentioned the Baltimore Ravens as a possible landing spot, which would be a shocking move given the rivalry between Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
The idea of Fields heading to the Ravens would certainly raise eyebrows. While Baltimore has Lamar Jackson locked in as their starter, they could look at Fields as a dynamic backup or even a trade piece down the line. For the Steelers, letting Fields walk could mean starting from scratch at quarterback again in 2025. That’s a risk they may not want to take, especially because Fields showed promise in 2024. Whether Pittsburgh commits to him long-term or not, the quarterback situation will remain one of the team’s biggest storylines heading into next season.
"While Fields would likely never see the field, he'd have an opportunity to work side by side with arguably the best quarterback in the NFL right now, Lamar Jackson," Brooke wrote. "The potential three-time MVP has found out how to develop as a lethal passer without sacrificing his mobility, which is something that Fields could benefit from, especially with a coaching staff featuring Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken."
Brooke believes this move would only make sense for the Ravens if the quarterback market dries up. They do need a backup quarterback.
Julio Cortez / AP
Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken talks to reporters during his team's NFL football training camp, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, in Owings Mills, Maryland.
Fields likely wouldn’t choose to leave Pittsburgh for Baltimore, especially since the Ravens aren’t expected to offer him more money than the Steelers. However, Brooke’s analysis adds an interesting perspective to the conversation.
"For the Ravens, there aren't many other suitable QB2 options that fit what they do," Brooke said. "Journeyman veteran Josh Johnson was the backup this year, but the 38-year-old is unlikely to come back this offseason, with retirement more likely on that table. It's unlikely that Fields would be interested in a long-term deal, but if the market is cold, then another one-year deal in Baltimore could be a beneficial long-term play."
Spotrac estimates Fields' market value at $6.4 million per year, which makes a two-year, $12 million deal a logical move for the Steelers. Such a contract would provide Pittsburgh with a veteran presence while keeping Fields as a potential franchise quarterback. While he hasn’t fully earned that title yet, he showed real progress in 2024, making strides in his development.
Steelers Could Have A Franchise QB In Justin Fields If He Puts It All Together
The issue with Fields is consistency—every highlight-reel play is often followed by a few mistakes. That’s not unusual, but he has yet to prove he can efficiently run an offense at a high level. His arm talent and decision-making have been questioned, adding to the uncertainty. However, Fields is an elite athlete with exceptional mobility, and if he can put everything together, he has the potential to become a truly dangerous quarterback in the NFL.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields rolls out during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills in 2024.
However, for Fields to reach that level, he needs to continue improving. Steelers fans are eager to see what he can do as a full-time starter in 2025, should Pittsburgh commit to him. His market value will be one of the more intriguing storylines of the offseason, as teams assess his potential. The Ravens remain a dark-horse candidate to watch in Fields' free agency saga.
#SteelerNation
