The Steelers aim to have at least one in-house quarterback on a new deal by the time free agency starts. Further indications have emerged regarding which passer the team prefers on that front. 
During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, ESPN’s Mark Kaboly noted Justin Fields is Pittsburgh’s top target as things stand. He added the team is waiting to see if the former Bears first-rounder is onboard with taking a Steelers contract, something he has expressed interest in this offseason. After spending much of the 2024 campaign as Russell Wilson‘s backup, though, Fields is looking for a path to a starter’s role in Pittsburgh or elsewhere.
Moving on from their Kenny Pickett–Mason Rudolph tandem last offseason, the Steelers signed Wilson and traded for Fields. Both passers were on expiring contracts, and Wilson held onto the top spot on the QB depth chart through training camp before suffering a calf injury. Fields handled starting duties for the first six weeks of the campaign, posting a 4-2 record while posting a 5:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and adding five rushing scores along the way. Head coach Mike Tomlin elected to install Wilson as the starter once he was healthy, though.
That decision was not unanimous, and since the end of the campaign – which was defined in no small part by underwhelming performances from Wilson in particular and the Steelers’ offense as a whole – Fields has maintained support in the organization. Given the age difference between the passers (Fields will turn 26 next week, Wilson is 36), it would come as little surprise if an investment were to made in the younger option. Pittsburgh is unlikely to keep Fields and Wilson in place for another year.
As a result, a preference for the former would leave the latter on the move via free agency for a second straight offseason. Wilson can indeed be expected to depart, CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala noted on her own 93.7 The Fan appearance. The longtime Seahawk has expressed a desire to remain in Pittsburgh, but other options could await him in the event he were to reach free agency. A reunion with Pete Carroll on the Raiders has been floated as a possibility, although they (like the Steelers) have been linked to a Matthew Stafford pursuit.
Pittsburgh is not seen as one of the frontrunners for Stafford, who could of course remain with the Rams via a contract resolution. In that event, both Wilson and Fields could find themselves among the more attractive options on the market once the new league year begins. The Steelers have been in contact with both camps, to no surprise, but a final decision one way or the other could be coming soon. As things stands, Fields is firmly in the lead to receive a deal for at least 2025.
But shouldn’t you want someone like Darnold instead??? With a good O-line, he’s obv an upgrade over Wilson or Fields. He’s a clear upgrade.
Darnold was a product of that system and that roster. I don’t think that a lot of teams feel like last year’s performance will translate to another system and another roster. In other words, I think that many QB’s would have had similar success in that system with that roster. I know he was recovering from injury, but still, look at Kirk Cousins in another system with a different roster. Not good.
And try to imagine him constantly under pressure thanks to a horrible o-line here in Pittsburgh. At least Fields can move
Then again, Kaboly is consistently wrong in his reports so who knows?
Did your long history in QB development lead you to that analysis?
“You can’t comment your opinion of a football rumor in the comment section unless you’re a seasoned NFL coach.” – NOT.2 (exception made for himself, obviously)
I thought we were all done pretending that Sam Darnold is good?
If he’s not good how did he end up with more yards and TDs than Mahomes last year?
Only those who do not understand what he accomplished last year.
Fields is the obvious choice because he’s younger. I’m still thinking Giants can get Wilson. I’m not sure I trust Ward or Sanders in the draft.
The best option for the Giants is to trade back, gather as much draft capital as possible, tank this season, and try to get Arch Manning or Drew Allar next year. They could even take a shot on Jaxson Dart this year if they can grab him in the second or third round, worst case scenario he’s a mid to high level backup for whoever else you get in 2026.
I think Fields is the best fit for this offense. He can get out of the pocket and run when needed which is often behind this OL and they don’t have to rely on him throwing 30+ times a game.
They wasted an entire season on the Ghost of Russel Wilson.
They could have taken off the training wheels and handed the keys to Fields and they’d know now if they had something there or not.
Now, they have to spend this season doing what they should have done last season all while their D corps ages.
And that’s IF they can resign him.
They limited Fields because he is limited. That is how you keep him from losing the game for you. The mistake was expecting either one of them to be future starters and not having any other plan.
@NOT.2 Did your long history in QB development lead you to that analysis?
Does it even matter? That is like deciding between spoiled milk or muddy water. Neither does much for you but at least one will not make you sick.