The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing another offseason full of quarterback questions in 2025. None of the quarterbacks that were on the roster during the 2024 season are still under contract, as Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen are all slated to hit free agency in March. The organization has made it clear that it intends to bring back either Wilson or Fields, but not both. It remains unclear which quarterback has the edge when it comes to returning as the starter in 2025, but the Steelers are expected to get a new deal before the start of free agency.
A lot of the fan base seems drawn to Fields, who has the higher upside and is considerably younger than Wilson. Wilson ended the 2024 season on a rough note, and it is hard to imagine that bringing him back is the right decision. The organization is currently weighing its options at the position, as one of the quarterbacks should be returning along with a rookie and/or another free agency signing. Team insider Gerry Dulac answered some questions from fans on Thursday morning, and he was asked about how the organization is currently feeling and to which quarterback they are leaning towards.
"Right now, I'm not sure if they are 'clearly' leaning one way or another because I know there is something of a split sentiment."
The split sentiment was expected, at least from the coaching staff. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has always seemed to love Wilson, so it would make sense for him to stand by the veteran quarterback moving forward. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith is rumored to be a fan of Fields, which is obvious considering Fields' elite running ability at the quarterback position. Reports of Smith and Wilson having a rocky relationship recently surfaced, but it has been suspected that Wilson leaked false information to make himself look better.
Smith is staying in 2025 as the offensive coordinator, so the relationship between him and the quarterback is important. Tomlin will likely have the final say, but it is still something to consider. Fields is clearly the more enticing option at the position, but the Steelers are still considering moving forward with Wilson.
It is embarrassing that the Steelers don't have more clarity on this decision after the team's season ended nearly a month ago. Not to oversimplify the decision, but Wilson is projected to receive $77 million on his next contract. He is not worth that. Fields is projected to receive under $7 million. The financial side of things alone should make this decision easy. Wilson isn't capable of carrying this team past the first round of the playoffs, meanwhile Fields' athleticism can make the offense dynamic.
Hopefully the organization makes the right decision in the end and decides to bring Fields back as the starter in 2025. He played well for the team when given the opportunity, and he fits the mold of today's quarterback in the NFL.
Steelers Had A Chance To Make This Decision Easier On Themselves
Fields started six games for the Steelers to begin the 2024 season and he led the team to a 4-2 record. Wilson returned to full health after Week 6 and took over the starting job; the veteran played well for a decent stretch of games. However, Wilson's pocket presence collapsed to end the year and the Steelers lost five consecutive games.
Many fans were questioning Tomlin's decision to insert Wilson into the starting lineup, and in the long run, it turned out to be a questionable decision. Had the Steelers allowed the 25-year old quarterback to play the entirety of the season, the organization would have some clarity on the position. Pittsburgh could have its franchise quarterback if Fields continued to play well, or at the very least, known not to bring him back if he collapsed like Wilson did.
The Steelers need to make a decision at quarterback before free agency begins, and they still have a decent amount of time. However, the decision should be very easy and it isn't all that inspiring that it is taking so long.
Which quarterback do you want to see back in 2025?
