Fowler: Steelers Seriously In Danger Of Losing Justin Fields To New Team: "[He] Sees Some Intrigue There"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are walking a fine line heading into the 2025 offseason. With two quarterback options on the table, they must make a decision before the situation becomes even more complicated. The team was fortunate to have both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields on the roster in 2024. Each quarterback had their moment to shine, but only one is expected to return.

Reports suggest that the Steelers’ front office is divided on whether to offer Wilson or Fields a new deal for the 2025 season. The market for each quarterback is drastically different. Wilson's market value is nearly $40 million, while Fields' is closer to $6 million. Paying seven times more for an aging quarterback who struggled with pocket navigation in 2024, like Wilson, seems illogical.

As a result, Fields has become the fan-favorite choice. His youth, athleticism, and flashes of potential have fans excited about what he could become with more opportunities. Fields possesses a high ceiling, but many question whether he'll ever reach it. ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler recently shared concerning news for Steelers fans. On Tuesday, Fowler revealed on SportsCenter that the New York Jets have expressed serious interest in Fields, and that Fields himself would be open to playing in New York. This development could add another layer of complexity to Pittsburgh's quarterback situation.

"New York Jets are a sleeper option here," Fowler said. "They could have some interest. They like the idea of a dual-threat quarterback. I'm told Fields has looked at that roster — sees some intrigue there too."

According to Fowler, Fields has taken a close look at the Jets' roster and is impressed with what they have to offer. However, Fowler also provided some context that may offer Steelers fans a bit of relief. 

Despite that, the demand for Fields is expected to be high, given the weak quarterback market in free agency. 

"Justin Fields is gonna be a pretty hot name," Fowler said. "Outside of Sam Darnold, [who] is the top free agent quarterback? Fields can make a strong argument for number two. I'm told Fields is open to a return to Pittsburgh, he had a good experience there. The belief is that Pittsburgh is also open to that too, but he wants a clean runway to start a full season. He would like to be the guy wherever he goes."

The Steelers can’t afford to wait. They need to make Fields the necessary assurances that he will be their starter and lock him into a deal close to his market value. It’s a simple concept—there aren’t many better options. 

Sticking with the quarterback who has already spent a year in the system gives him the best chance to develop into the face of the franchise. Fields looked solid in the first six games and it become clear the Steelers were holding him back. If they just let Fields go and see what he has. It will solve a lot of difficult questions.

Steelers Really Aren't In An Awful Spot At QB

Despite concerns, the Steelers aren’t in a terrible position, even if some believe otherwise. They have a young quarterback brimming with potential, though he still needs refinement. Fields has shown flashes of brilliance every season, and if he can put it all together, Pittsburgh might just find itself with a long-term answer at quarterback. If not, it’s a low-risk move—his contract is affordable, and the team still needs a dependable option under center.

If things don’t work out during the 2025 season, the Steelers can start planning for a quarterback in the draft. However, the longer they hesitate or give Fields any indication that they’re looking elsewhere, the greater the risk of losing him. That wouldn’t sit well with the fan base—and more importantly, it could be a costly mistake for the franchise.

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