The Pittsburgh Steelers have been at the center of some absolutely wild rumors lately. It’s the offseason, and this time of year always brings plenty of speculation in the football world. Naturally, the Steelers are one of the biggest storylines to follow, largely due to their uncertain quarterback situation.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields (#2) and Russell Wilson (#3) stretch on the field as the team gets ready to practice during Organized Team Activities at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Pittsburgh was fortunate to have both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson suit up in 2024, but keeping either beyond this season will come at a cost. Fields is expected to command around $6 million per year, while Wilson’s price tag could reach $40 million, both according to Spotrac. That steep number has made Steelers fans hesitant about committing to Wilson, as many feel he’s too expensive for an aging veteran who struggled down the stretch last season.
Then, on Tuesday morning, a shocking report surfaced that the Steelers have interest in former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. The rumor was met with immediate backlash from Steelers fans, who want nothing to do with the 2019 sixth overall pick. Sports media personality Danny Parkins weighed in on BREAKFAST BALL on Wednesday morning, pointing out the striking similarities between Fields and Jones. After reviewing the numbers, Steelers fans may have to face an unsettling truth about their quarterback situation.
This is incredible. Jones and Fields are the same QB. Great job @DannyParkins. You can’t love one. And hate the other. They’re identical. pic.twitter.com/EWZrOw9e3U
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) February 19, 2025
The numbers being examined date back to 2021, the year Fields entered the NFL. Both Fields and Jones were first-round draft picks, selected with the hope of becoming franchise quarterbacks. However, both players were ultimately cast aside by the teams that drafted them. What’s interesting is how Steelers fans are open to the idea of Fields but strongly opposed to Jones.
Barry Reeger / Imagn Images
Steelers' Alex Highsmith drills former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones during a home game in the Steel City.
Parkins’ point was to highlight just how eerily similar these two quarterbacks have been. Of course, stats don’t always tell the full story. Steelers fans likely favor Fields because he already played in Pittsburgh’s system in 2024, starting six games and posting a 4-2 record. Additionally, Fields offers more upside, particularly with his mobility, which sets him apart from Jones.
According to the graphic shown on Fox Sports, Jones has started 43 games compared to Fields’ 44. Jones has won 16 of those starts, while Fields has won 14. Offensively, Jones has led his teams to an average of 18 points per game, while Fields has averaged 20. Their passing yards per game are nearly identical, and both share the same passer rating of 84.5. The brutal truth Steelers fans must confront is that if you’re excited about Fields, it’s difficult to completely dismiss Jones—they’ve been almost the same quarterback in terms of production.
Steelers' Justin Fields Is Familiar With Arthur Smith's System
That said, the comparison isn’t entirely fair. Fields has already played in Arthur Smith’s system and shown flashes of potential, while Jones has spent his career navigating the dysfunction of the Giants. Many football analysts believe Jones’ ceiling remains unclear due to the chaotic environment he played in, filled with coaching changes, injuries, and roster instability. While Fields has had his own challenges with Chicago Bears, he at least enters Pittsburgh with familiarity in the scheme and the benefit of a fresh start.
Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers quarterback Justin Fields warms up on the field as the team gets ready to play a 2024 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Both quarterbacks have struggled with turnovers, inconsistent play, and winning games. Both were cast off by the organizations that once viewed them as franchise saviors. Now, they’re each searching for their next opportunity to prove they belong in the NFL.
The Steelers’ rumored interest in Jones has only added to the debate, while fans remain hopeful that Fields will earn an affordable extension and a real chance to lead the team in 2025. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but for now, Steelers fans must reckon with the reality that Fields and Jones are far more alike than they may want to admit.
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