Steelers' Justin Fields "Would Be Crazy To Stay" As Growing Fear Is His Career Would Die In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the major talking points in the NFL so far during the 2025 offseason due to their quarterback situation. The organization is likely going to re-sign either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields to be the starter in 2025, but Fields is considered the favorite to land the job. This is probably due to the younger quarterback having a lower price tag, as well as his legs adding another layer to the offense for the Steelers. Fields is the favorite to land the job in-house, but Pittsburgh has also explored some external options.

One of the quarterbacks the Steelers were slightly interested in was Matthew Stafford, who recently committed to signing a new deal with the Los Angeles Rams. There was a possibility he would be traded, but the veteran had absolutely zero interest in coming to Pittsburgh to join the Steelers. Pittsburgh doesn't currently seem like a desired destination as a quarterback, which should make fans wonder whether or not Fields would even want to stay in Pittsburgh (albeit he has mentioned he would like to return). 

Controversial Pittsburgh sports pundit Mark Madden recently discussed this for Tribune-Review Sports, and he clearly stated that Fields should go elsewhere.

"Fields would be crazy to stay," Madden wrote. "Fields should go someplace that loads him up with run-pass options, lets him carry the ball, lets him be daring, lets him be Lamar Jackson Lite. Not a no-risk robot. Fields must make plays, not just avoid turnovers. Fields is 25. He needs an opportunity, not merely a job. It’s time for his career to accelerate or die. It would die in Pittsburgh."

Fields' career as a starter is on its last leg, which makes this upcoming decision for him very important. Assuming the Steelers want him back to be the starter in 2025, Fields should still wait until free agency to go over his options. The New York Jets are rumored to have a ton of interest in the quarterback, and the team in The Big Apple arguably has better weapons than Fields would have in Pittsburgh.

A large portion of the fan base in Pittsburgh wants to see Fields as the starter for the 2025 season, but the best move for him would probably be to join the Jets. The organization is under a new regime, and he could be a big part of the turnaround. The Las Vegas Raiders are also expected to be an option for the quarterback in free agency, assuming the Steelers are unable to re-sign Fields before he hits the open market.

Fields' market value currently sits at $6.4 million, and the Steelers would probably be able to get him to re-sign just by offering the quarterback more than what he is cited to be worth. The franchise has plenty of money to spend moving forward. For reference, the organization signed Mitch Trubisky to a deal with a higher annual salary than what Fields is worth ahead of the 2022 season. The decision to bring back Fields should be an easy one, and overpaying just a bit for him seems like a decision that would be worth it.

Steelers Could Square Off Against Justin Fields In 2025

The Steelers are set to take on the Jets for the second season in a row, and Pittsburgh will be traveling to play at Metlife Stadium to take on New York during the 2025 season. If the organization does not get a new deal done with the quarterback, there is a good chance the Pittsburgh defense will be trying to contain him in 2025. It is imperative the Steelers get a deal done with Fields before free agency opens up, or else the quarterback is likely gone.

What do you think is the best decision for Fields' future? Let us know in the comments below!

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