The Pittsburgh Steelers have already been in plenty of headlines during the 2025 offseason. This is mainly because of the intriguing quarterback situation in Pittsburgh. The organization doesn't seem to have any clue as to who the starter will be for the 2025 season, as Team President Art Rooney II made it clear the franchise is weighing the options between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. It is hard to tell which way the organization is leaning, but reports keep resurfacing about how the major decision-makers feel about both quarterbacks.
Gene J. Puskar / ap photo
Steelers' Russell Wilson and Justin Fields talk while they get warmed up for camp in 2024.
Both quarterbacks played well during certain stretches of the 2024 season for Pittsburgh. Fields went 4-2 as a starter and was responsible for 10 touchdowns before Wilson took over, and the veteran quarterback had a ton of immediate success. Wilson eventually began to show his age, and the Steelers lost their final five games of the season. A large portion of the fan base wants to see Fields start for the Steelers in 2025. However, Jeremy Fowler reported on SportsCenter Thursday morning that Head Coach Mike Tomlin might be leaning towards bringing back Wilson.
"Russell Wilson has made the Steelers a priority. He loved it there. He would like to be the quarterback there," Fowler explained. "Certainly, Mike Tomlin feels a commitment or a loyalty to Wilson that could show over time here in the next couple weeks."
Fowler insinuates that Tomlin has some loyalty to Wilson for some reason. This doesn't make much sense. Wilson signed a minimum veteran deal with Pittsburgh during the 2024 offseason, and Tomlin gave him the opportunity to be the starting quarterback. It can be argued that Wilson losing his final five starts in Pittsburgh is all on him, and that alone could be reason enough not to give him a new deal.
Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson gives Head Coach Mike Tomlin a high-five as the team participates in a 2024 regular season game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Many members of the fan base were confused when Tomlin decided to give Wilson the starting job after he returned to full health. Fields had gone 4-2 and looked arguably better than he ever did with the Chicago Bears. His legs also added an extra layer to the offense that did nothing but help Pittsburgh. Some speculated that Tomlin gave Wilson the job because he promised it to him when he originally signed with the Steelers, if that was the case, Tomlin fulfilled his end of the deal.
Tomlin and the Steelers organization owes nothing to Wilson. Pittsburgh gave him some time to start and show what he could still do in the NFL, but he is just not the same player he used to be. It would be completely foolish to re-sign a 36-year old over Fields who is still just 25. The choice seems obvious when it comes to which quarterback to go with, but Tomlin will probably step in and get whoever he wants. Fields has the potential to be the franchise quarterback in Pittsburgh, but he might not even get the chance.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Justin Fields arrives at training camp ahead of the 2024 season in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Can Plan For The Future By Re-Signing Justin Fields
Starting Fields for the 2025 season presents a lot of possibilities. The young quarterback can take another step forward and prove he has what it takes to be a top-tier quarterback in the NFL. If that doesn't happen, the Steelers may be able to lose enough games to actually get a valuable draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is where the organization could find the future of the franchise at quarterback.
Another possibility for the 2025 season is Fields beginning the year as the starter, but eventually getting replaced by a rookie. The Steelers should certainly look into drafting a quarterback on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft, and the franchise might get lucky and find some value. If Fields struggles, the rookie can come in. This gives the Steelers more than one chance of finding their franchise quarterback, while Wilson would just be limping towards retirement.
What do you think of Tomlin's loyalty to Wilson? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
