As free agency approaches, the Steelers have yet to sort out their quarterback situation. When speaking to the media on Tuesday, general manager Omar Khan said finding clarity under center is the team’s top priority.
Khan noted (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor) nothing has been ruled out at this point with respect to how the team will proceed at the quarterback position. A new deal for one of Russell Wilson or Justin Fields – but almost certainly not both – can be expected. During his remarks at the Combine, Khan added to no surprise that the team has been in contact with both of its 2024 passers.
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The Steelers’ goal remains to have a new deal in place with Wilson or Fields before free agency begins in mid-March. Khan noted (via Pryor) that he feels both signal-callers have a desire to remain in Pittsburgh (something which would entail handling starting duties for 2025). Wilson has made it clear on multiple occasions that his preference would be a re-up with the Steelers, and that is his focus with interest from other suitors a possibility on the open market.
Wilson took over top spot on the depth chart once healthy midway through the season, but his play took a downward turn as Pittsburgh finished the year on a combined five-game losing streak (between the regular and postseason). Fields had support in the Steelers’ building on that back of his 4-2 start to the season, and he is still viewed by some in the organization as the preferred option to retain. Fields is nearing his 26th birthday, whereas Wilson will turn 37 midway through the 2025 campaign.
Age will no doubt be a factor which Khan and Co. consider as they weigh their options. Time remains for a deal to be worked out on the Wilson or Fields fronts, and assurances of the QB1 gig will be key for both passers. If the rest of the Steelers’ offseason plans hinge on finding an in-house quarterback solution, traction at the negotiating table will need to be generated relatively soon.
The true definition of insanity: doing the same thing expecting different results. What big changes have they made to date? Has anyone contacted Mike Munchak to restore our offensive line? Knowing they are looking for a stop gap for QB but when will the Steeler organization catch up to the time?
Knowing Tomlin, he’ll push hard for Wilson. He’s that deluded. Yes, he will win some games with Wilson, but not in the playoffs. On the other hand, if Tomlin is willing to put his money where his mouth is and commit to leaving as head coach if he can’t win a Super Bowl with Wilson next season, then go for it. Win-win for Steeler fans.
This is Groundhogs Day. They’ll get around 9 wins but Tomlin fans will point to it and say, “See? He never has a losing season”
There are so many holes here that it would take 3 drafts to shore it all up
Neither of these guys were very impressive last season and the O-line got worse over time. Might as well go with youth, if he even wants to come back
Give them both a rusty shiv and see who wants it more
What are the odds neither are on the Steelers next year?
Well, both are medicore (if not worse), so I’d expect the Steelers to sign at least one to keep the “at least we made the playoffs” fans happy.
Khan is in the news today. I guess he must’ve held a press conference and in this town, you know they have to broadcast or write about the Steelers every day
On one hand, he says he’s open to everything where QB is concerned. Thanks, Omar. As usual, you said nothing
On the other, he talks about how they want to get Pickens signed soon. I’m at a loss as to how any Steelers fan is heartened by this news. He’s going backwards as an individual and as a player. Talent is nice but there has to be a little intelligence, too
Just give Fields a full season.
At some point Mike Tomlin has to put his ego aside and land a top pick that moves the needle.
No one in Pittsburgh cares about the winning seasons streak.
No one.