The Pittsburgh Steelers have barely begun the 2025 offseason and the most debated topic so far has been the quarterback situation. Team President Art Rooney II has already said that the team is interested in bringing back either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, as both are scheduled to become free agents in March. The team can still explore external options to fill the role, but it is more likely that one of the starters from 2024 return. Wilson ended the year on a bad note, which should leave the door open for Fields.
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Steelers' Justin Fields hugs Raiders' Aidan O'Connell after a game in 2024.
Fields started six games for the Steelers during the 2024 season and led the team to a 4-2 record, while also looking like an improved passer since his time with the Chicago Bears. There are certainly still some doubts about the young quarterback, but he looks like a promising player to give the starting role to in 2025.
NFL insider Mike Sando recently went on the The Ryen Russillo Podcast, where he discussed the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh. He essentially shut down the idea of Wilson returning, and was then asked about the future of Fields.
"I don't know that either." Sando said of Fields returning to Pittsburgh. "It's too early. We don't know what else they're going to do, what other opportunity there could be for Fields. I think they would be open to that, but again I don't think he's going to be the starter going in, and he probably isn't going to get a starting job somewhere else. So, maybe it's a marriage of convenience that continues."
Sando doesn't believe Fields will be given the starting job even if the quarterback does return to the Steelers, but Fields' chances of being the starter somewhere else aren't very high either. This could lead to Fields returning to Pittsburgh due to familiarity, while also knowing that an opportunity could present itself down the road. Fields has the ability to add a certain extra layer to the offense due to his mobility, so Pittsburgh would likely welcome Fields back even as the backup.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields runs against the Eagles during Week 15 of the 2024 season.
Fields has the desire to be a starting quarterback in the NFL, and he has shown flashes where he has been able to do so. He looked better than he ever has during his six starts with Pittsburgh in 2024, and many fans were surprised when Head Coach Mike Tomlin decided to hand the starting job to Wilson once he returned to full health.
If the Steelers were to bring Fields back and give him the backup job, it is hard to imagine who the starting quarterback would be. The Steelers would not bring back Wilson in addition to Fields, so it would have to be a veteran from somewhere else in the league. Matthew Stafford is an option if the Los Angeles Rams decide to trade him, as are some expected free agents like Aaron Rodgers.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields warms up pregame before a Week 15 matchup against the Eagles in 2024.
Steelers Would Most Benefit From Giving Justin Fields The Starting Job
Bringing back Fields would not be expensive for Pittsburgh, especially if the organization is able to get a deal down before the quarterback hits the open market. This would allow the team to build an impressive roster around Fields, and if the quarterback is able to exceed expectations then the Steelers are able to say they have their quarterback of the future. If things go poorly, Pittsburgh would likely end up with a good draft pick in 2026, which should allow the team to find their franchise quarterback.
There is nothing but pros when it comes to re-signing Fields. The organization needs to allow him to come in and be the starter. The young quarterback made great strides in 2024, and he should be able to build on that moving forward. The ceiling is sky-high for Fields, and the Steelers need to give a true opportunity.
What do you think about Fields returning as the backup? Let us know in the comments below!
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