The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation remains uncertain heading into 2025. With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as the top contenders, both saw significant playing time in 2024 and performed reasonably well when called upon. However, neither player has done enough to inspire full confidence in the fan base about their future with the team.
Barry Reeger / Imagn Images
Quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson sit on the bench during a regular season game for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While either Wilson or Fields is likely to return, many believe Fields has the upper hand. He’s seen as the more affordable, exciting option with much more upside. Wilson’s hefty price tag—around $38.7 million per year, according to Spotrac—is nearly seven times higher than Fields would cost. The Steelers could also explore options in the quarterback market or draft a potential future starter.
Recently, the awkward situation between the Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford has brought the Steelers into the conversation. NFL insider Albert Breer reported that Pittsburgh is one of several teams showing serious interest in Stafford. However, there’s a major hurdle: Mike Florio highlighted the significant gamble involved in pursuing a trade for the 37-year-old quarterback in his recent article posted on his website Pro Football Talk.
"Under his current contract, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will make $27 million in 2025," Florio wrote. "He’s looking for more. He deserves more. He’ll undoubtedly get more. So how much more? When considering the current dynamics of the market, he could end up in the $50 million per year club."
The devastating blow to the Steelers from this news largely comes down to cost. With $60,073,766 in cap space available, according to Over The Cap, Pittsburgh has the financial flexibility to make moves. However, committing a large portion of that to a 37-year-old quarterback is a significant risk.
Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
Rams' Matthew Stafford gets ready to be introduced to the home crowd.
On top of that, the Steelers would likely need to part with valuable assets to pull off a trade for Stafford. Florio further argued why Stafford could command at least $50 million per year, adding another layer of complexity to the decision.
"It’s very easy to make the case that Stafford is worth at least as much as Goff," Florio wrote. "He’s the player the Rams couldn’t wait to dump. The contract to which the Rams attached an extra first-round pick as part of the trade that flipped Stafford for Goff. Stafford won a Super Bowl with the Rams, Goff did not. The question of whether Stafford is worth $50 million per year and whether he’ll find a team to pay it are two different things."
The Steelers find themselves in a tough position. While the team is far from lacking in talent, much of it is approaching the tail end of its prime or already in that stage of their careers.
Pittsburgh can’t afford to undergo a full rebuild with stars like TJ Watt and Cam Heyward still on the roster. However, committing to a big contract for Stafford would mean they’re still not fully planning for the future.
Steelers' Quarterback Dilemma Has Major Implications Looming
The quarterback dilemma is brutal. On one hand, the Steelers could sign Fields to an affordable contract and see what he can offer. On the other hand, they risk passing on a future Hall of Fame quarterback in Stafford, who, despite being 37, has proven to be far superior to Wilson and remains an elite talent in the NFL.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Justin Fields arrives at training camp in Latrobe ahead of the 2024 season.
With such crucial decisions looming, all eyes will be on the Rams, the Steelers, and the other teams vying for Stafford’s services. The outcome could shape the future of the franchise for years to come. Spending $50 million on a 37-year-old quarterback is a steep price, but some believe it could be exactly what Pittsburgh needs to go all in and contend for a Super Bowl with their current roster.
#SteelerNation
