The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation has a lot of mystery surrounding it heading into the 2025 offseason. Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are set to hit the open market, but Team President Art Rooney II has already said the organization plans to bring one of the players back in 2025. It remains unclear which quarterback Pittsburgh will look to sign to a new deal, but Wilson ended the 2024 season on a bad note and the fan base is clamoring in favor Fields.
Steelers' Russell Wilson throws against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11 of the 2024 regular season.
Wilson was the primary starter for Pittsburgh during the 2024 season, and he played well enough to make the Pro Bowl as an alternate. He went 6-6 in 12 starts, but ended the season losing his last five games. The veteran is on the tail end of his career, but he has made it clear he wants to continue playing The coaching staff for the Steelers likes Wilson, but Fields has more upside and would come at a cheaper price.
The quarterback's former Head Coach Pete Carroll was recently hired by the Las Vegas Raiders as their new head coach, which opens the door for a reunion between the two. Wilson was asked about this during his time at the Pro Bowl by The Associated Press, and he seemed to deny any idea of him going to Las Vegas.
"I'm looking forward to hopefully going back to the Steelers and we'll see what happens with the rest," Wilson said. "I love it in Pittsburgh. I've been fortunate to play 13-plus years, and I've got a lot more ball left in me. I think staying healthy is always the thing. You've got to be healthy to play your best, and I feel great right now. Pete's going to be a great coach, obviously. He's great at what he does. But I'm focused on the Steelers."
Wilson has remained consistent in expressing his desire to return to Pittsburgh, but the organization has to weigh its options. Wilson showcased limited mobility, while Fields can provide that in abundance. The best teams in the NFL have quarterbacks that can move around and extend plays, and Wilson just can't do that anymore at his current age.
AP Photo / Gene J. Puskar
Steelers' Russell Wilson and Justin Fields talk while they get warmed up for training camp in 2024.
There isn't a scenario where the Steelers will bring both quarterbacks back in 2025. Both players want to be starters, and they each have the ability to do so. Fields should draw a decent market from teams that have struggled, which means it is important that the Steelers are able to strike a new deal with one of the players prior to free agency opening up in March.
Both quarterbacks weren't playing with much in Pittsburgh. The wide receiver unit was one of the weakest in the league, and the offensive scheme seemed outdated. Those two factors are more reasons as to why Fields should be the starter in 2025, as he can make magic with his legs and provides another layer to the running game.
Paul Dunn / Chronicle File Photo
Russell Wilson stiff arms a Houston Texans' defender during his time with the Seattle Seahawks.
Steelers' Wilson Could Reunite With More Than Just Pete Carroll
Carroll becoming the head coach in Las Vegas makes the Raiders an attractive destination for Wilson, but he may be able to reunite with his former offensive coordinator as well. The Raiders haven't hired a new coordinator, but the organization did interview Darrell Bevell for the opening. Bevell was Wilson's offensive coordinator for the majority of his career, and the two won a Super Bowl together in Wilson's second season in the NFL.
It makes sense why Las Vegas would be interested in Wilson. The quarterback situation for the Raiders has been rocky over the last two seasons, with Aidan O'Connell being the assumed starter as of right now. O'Connell has played better than some might think, but it is hard to imagine he is anything other than a backup.
