The Pittsburgh Steelers have a decision to make at quarterback before constructing the rest of their roster. It is likely that one of Russell Wilson or Justin Fields is re-signed to be the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, but there are other options on the table. Veterans like Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers are also available, as is Daniel Jones. All eyes are on the Steelers as the organization comes to a decision at quarterback, although a lot of the fan base would like to see Fields back in the black and gold for the 2025 campaign.
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Justin Fields and Daniel Jones meet on the field following a game between the Giants and the Bears.
The Steelers have already been reported to have some interest in Jones, although it should be safe to assume it would be as a backup. The quarterback was the starter for the New York Giants for the last six seasons, but he was released by the team in the middle of the 2024 season after being benched. Jones struggled in New York, although he did have a decent year in 2022. Hopefully Pittsburgh would only be interested in the veteran as a backup option, but NFL insider Adam Schefter joined Pardon My Take on Friday where he shared that there is a market for Jones to be a starter again.
"Yes, yes, yes," Schefter said when asked if Jones could be a starter in 2025. "In fact, I've actually had his name come up with head coaches I've spoken to. 'What if you can't get so and so?' Daniel Jones. Like I've heard the name, so I think there is a market for him. I also think that if Sam Darnold leaves, Minnesota would be a natural spot for him to be and I think that's part of the reason the Vikings brought him in. But there is a scenario where he could wind up as a starter."
After being released by the Giants in the middle of the 2024 season, Jones was signed by the Minnesota Vikings. He never saw the field, but he was their third-string quarterback late in the season. He could wind up staying there as Kevin O'Connell is widely considered a quarterback-friendly head coach, but he would likely end up backing up JJ McCarthy.
Minnesota Vikings
Vikings' Daniel Jones practices with the team in Minnesota late in the 2024 season.
The way Schefter described Jones' chances is that he seems to be a backup plan for some franchises. If the Steelers are interested in re-signing Fields or finding a way to acquire Stafford, and neither of those workout, Jones might be the next option. As of now, it seems like Stafford won't be coming to Pittsburgh, but Fields and Wilson are still options on the table.
There is a chance that the Steelers view Jones as a starting-caliber quarterback, but he certainly isn't the franchise's first choice. Schefter explained that he has had one coach mention to him that Jones will be an option as a starter for some teams, and that very well could be Pittsburgh considering the rumored interest in the veteran.
Steelers Could Be Able To Turn Daniel Jones' Career Around
Jones could not be consistently good during his time in New York, but his time with the Giants was also extremely unstable. The team around him was always bad with the exception of Saquon Barkley, and there was constantly turnover within the coaching staff. It is hard to be successful playing in those conditions, which means there is a chance for improvement with a team like Pittsburgh.
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The Steelers have a better all-around team than the Giants, and Jones may be able to thrive in Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith's system thanks to his athleticism. In no world should Jones be considered a top-three option to be the starting quarterback in Pittsburgh for the 2025 season, but if all other plans fail, he might be the only option left.
What would you think if the Steelers signed Jones? What if it were just as a backup option? Let us know in the comments below!
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