The Steelers acquired Russell Wilson and Justin Fields last offseason in the hopes that one would emerge as their franchise quarterback.
Things didn’t work out as planned. A calf injury to Wilson gave Fields the chance to open the regular season as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback. He led the team to a 4-2 record before a resurgent Wilson returned to the field and ripped off seven wins in eight starts.
It looked like the offseason strategy had paid off: the Steelers were leading the AFC North and Wilson was publicly stating his desire to stay in Pittsburgh. Then, the Steelers lost their last four regular season games and bowed out in the first round of the playoffs, leaving them with more questions than answers about their future under center.
Wilson has downplayed rumors of a reunion with Pete Carroll in Las Vegas, saying he’s “focused on the Steelers,” per ProFootballTalk’s Josh Alper. The veteran quarterback remains in “ongoing conversations” with the team, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Wilson’s reported tensions with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith are not expected to be enough of an issue to prevent a re-signing, either, per Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Show.
Fields, meanwhile, is expected to have a market beyond the Steelers, per Schefter. Pittsburgh is still interested in re-signing him, but he would likely see competition for playing time, either from a rookie or another free agent signing, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
Ultimately, neither player established himself as a clear-cut franchise quarterback in 2024, forcing Pittsburgh to consider all of their options. With the 21st overall pick in the draft, a costly trade would likely be the only way to acquire their top prospect. The Steelers also have enough cap space to offer competitive contracts to Sam Darnold or even Aaron Rodgers, though the latter’s personality could clash with Mike Tomlin.
I think Wilson could be good for the Giants for a few years
Please don’t turn into the Pirates and count money instead of championships
As long as they can brag about consecutive winning seasons, it seems to satisfy ownership.
Meanwhile, if they refuse to address big offensive line upgrades, does it really matter who of any of the guys named here are QB?
I think they have tried to address the OL issues. They have spent their last 2 1st rd picks on OT’s, and a 2nd and 4th rounder last year on an OC and OG. Fautanu, unfortunately, got hurt at the beginning of last season, but I thought he was a really good pick. We will have to wait and see. Jones has had some struggles, he was young and still a little raw when he was drafted, but he has real talent, so hopefully he can improve next year (it took Andrew Thomas a few years to find his footing too). Frazier was a borderline Pro Bowler as a rookie. Seumalo is a solid experienced OG. James Daniels is a FA, but was ranked the top OG by PFF before he got injured last year. Mason McCormick held his own as a rookie last season, he has talent, and a year of experience under his belt now. We don’t know how their OL will perform as a unit next year, but they have made a real effort to put the building blocks in place. QB, good luck finding an above average one, and WR are their real issues going into next season imop.
Why do they even list Darnold or rodgers for the Steelers? Rodgers is a cancer and washed up and Darnold needs a good play caller to keep him under control. He would also cost the team at least $45mil/year.
Just a general comment. It is hard to read the headlines when the picture used has white or light colors behind the text.