The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback controversy will continue until someone is signed. Even then, it could go on through the whole season and into 2026, depending on who they acquire. With a weak draft class in 2025, along with subpar free agency options, the Steelers' best choice may be to pick one of their in-house candidates. Justin Fields and Russell Wilson are not exactly the greatest pieces on the market, but what other options do they really have? At the very least, they can keep one as a bridge quarterback until a future decision is made.
AP Photo / Matt Freed
Steelers' Russell Wilson and Justin Fields warming up before a game.
Insider Ian Rapoport has been keeping tabs on the Steelers' quarterback situation, and he recently spoke about what he's heard from inside the team building.
"What's the best educated guess based on talking to several sources across the league? Justin Fields over Russell Wilson, at least right now, feels like the direction [the Steelers] are going," said Rapoport. "Obviously, Russell Wilson was the starter last year. It was good, until the end when it wasn't. He will at least have some sort of a market, but Justin Fields does seem to be at least the priority now. They have an edge up on everyone; they can get a deal done right now."
The legal tampering period is just around the corner, even if there is plenty of illegal tampering going on behind the scenes. It has been obvious from the word "go" that the Steelers would rather keep one of their 2024 options than start all over again. They are running out of time to get that kind of deal done before both Wilson and Fields hit the open market.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields runs with the football during Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns.
Fields is much younger than Wilson, and he still has upside, while the veteran is on the decline. With the severe lack of long-term options available, the young dual-threat passer has the best chance of being a capable starter for multiple years to come. There are still things to work on, but it could be worth it in the end.
One thing Head Coach Mike Tomlin did right in 2024 was turning Fields from an aggressive player to a much more conservative one that won't turn the ball over. It could possibly be considered as an over-correction, but that kind of adjustment was likely needed to extend his career and give him another shot at being a starter.
While that idea worked out for Fields, Tomlin and his staff would then need to build off of it if he gets signed. He has plenty of experience as an aggressive player, and now he has some time playing conservatively. To help take that next step, Fields needs to learn when to play with each style. There are times to go big, and there are other times to just take what's given to you.
The Herald Star
Steelers' offensive leaders Justin Fields and Arthur Smith during warmups.
Steelers Need To Hurry Up And Get A Deal Done
Not only is Fields possibly the best option for the Steelers, but he is also the most likely the best one for a few other teams. Rapoport also talks about the market that Fields would have.
"If [the Steelers don't get a deal done], I know at least a couple of other teams who would eye him," said Rapoport. "The Jets make sense. There are a couple other teams that still need one. Titans still need a quarterback, whether or not they draft one. Justin Fields is going to have a market. It's just do the Steelers get in right now and try to stop his market by signing him to be the starter?"
The only other quarterback in the free agency class that seems to have a somewhat reasonable upside is Sam Darnold, who had a surprise breakout year in 2024. The Steelers definitely lose leverage due to the market that Fields would have, but they can't let that deter them. If they get him signed to a reasonable two or three-year deal, they may be able to keep him around.
What do you think about Fields being the Steelers' priority? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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