Pittsburgh Steelers’ Quarterback Dilemma: A Look Ahead to 2025

The Steelers’ Uncertain Future at Quarterback

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a critical decision as they approach the 2025 NFL season. According to sources, the team has been in ongoing discussions with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, their two primary quarterbacks from the 2024 season, in hopes of retaining at least one of them. However, the Steelers are not alone in their pursuit. Both quarterbacks have garnered significant interest from other teams, with the New York Giants expressing strong interest in Wilson and the New York Jets being high on Fields as free agency approaches. This has set up a competitive landscape for the Steelers, who are eager to stabilize their quarterback situation after a season that saw both players share the starting role.

Wilson and Fields: A Season of Ups and Downs

The 2024 season was a rollercoaster for the Steelers’ quarterback room. The team started the season with Justin Fields at the helm, and things looked promising early on. Under Fields, the Steelers opened the season with a 4-2 record, showing flashes of potential. However, as the season progressed, the team benches Fields in favor of Russell Wilson, who was returning from an injury. Initially, the move paid off, as Wilson led the Steelers to six wins in his first seven starts. However, the 36-year-old quarterback struggled down the stretch, and the team limped into the playoffs before being eliminated in the wild-card round for the fourth consecutive year.

Despite their efforts, neither quarterback could provide the consistent leadership the Steelers needed to make a deep postseason run. The team’s inability to find a long-term solution at quarterback has been a recurring issue in recent years, with the franchise cycling through multiple starters since the departure of Ben Roethlisberger. This year, the challenge is compounded by the fact that the Steelers hold the No. 21 overall pick in the NFL Draft, a position that may not guarantee them a top-tier quarterback prospect.

The Giants and Jets Enter the Fray

While the Steelers are trying to hold onto one of their quarterbacks, they face stiff competition from their AFC rivals. The New York Giants, who hold the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, are exploring multiple quarterback options, including Russell Wilson. The Giants are looking to build on a promising 2024 season and see Wilson as a potential short-term solution who could provide stability and leadership to their young roster.

Meanwhile, the New York Jets, who own the No. 7 overall pick, have their sights set on Justin Fields. The Jets are moving on from Aaron Rodgers after a disappointing two-year stint with the team. They believe Fields, with his athleticism, leadership qualities, and ability to extend plays with his legs, could be the perfect fit for their offense. According to sources, the Jets are particularly excited about Fields’ potential, believing that his best football is still ahead of him.

Fields’ Journey and Wilson’s Legacy

Justin Fields, the 26-year-old quarterback, joined the Steelers in 2024 after spending three seasons with the Chicago Bears, who drafted him with the No. 11 overall pick in 2021. Fields has shown glimpses of his potential, particularly with his ability to make plays outside of the pocket and his leadership on the field. However, consistency has been an issue, and his performance in 2024 was a mixed bag. Despite this, the Jets see him as a quarterback on the rise, someone who could thrive in their system and lead their team to the next level.

On the other hand, Russell Wilson is a 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback with a long history of success in the NFL. Now in his 13th season, Wilson has been a starter for his entire career, but he’s beginning to show signs of decline. Despite his initial success with the Steelers after returning from injury, his performance tapered off as the season wore on, raising questions about his ability to carry a team deep into the playoffs. Still, his experience and leadership make him an attractive option for teams like the Giants, who are looking to compete now rather than rebuild from the ground up.

The Steelers’ Long-Term Challenge

The Steelers’ inability to find a long-term quarterback solution is a problem that extends beyond the 2025 season. With a late first-round pick in the upcoming draft, the team may not have the opportunity to select a top-tier quarterback prospect. This reality leaves them in a difficult position, as they must decide whether to invest in a veteran quarterback like Wilson or Fields, neither of whom may be the long-term answer, or to take a chance on a younger quarterback who may not be ready to start immediately.

This dilemma is further complicated by the fact that the Steelers are a franchise with a proud history of success, particularly at the quarterback position. From Terry Bradshaw to Ben Roethlisberger, the team has been synonymous with strong quarterback play. However, since Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers have struggled to find a worthy successor, leading to inconsistent performances on the field and early playoff exits.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As the Steelers navigate the uncertain waters of the 2025 offseason, they must weigh their options carefully. Retaining either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields would provide short-term stability, but it may not address the long-term needs of the franchise. Alternatively, the team could look to the draft or free agency for a younger quarterback who can grow with the team, though this approach comes with its own set of risks and uncertainties.

For now, the Steelers are in limbo, waiting to see if they can retain one of their current quarterbacks or if they’ll need to start anew. One thing is certain: the quarterback position will continue to be the focal point of the franchise’s offseason strategy, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will have a significant impact on the team’s future.

As for Wilson and Fields, both quarterbacks are at different stages of their careers. Wilson is nearing the end of his prime and is looking to prove he still has what it takes to lead a team to the playoffs. Fields, on the other hand, is still in the early stages of his career and is looking to take the next step and establish himself as a franchise quarterback. Regardless of where they end up, both players have a lot to prove in 2025, and how they perform will shape the narrative of their careers moving forward.

In the end, the Steelers’ quarterback situation is just one of many storylines that will unfold during the 2025 NFL season. Whether they choose to stick with a familiar face or take a chance on someone new, the team’s decision will have far-reaching implications for their future success. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh as they navigate this critical moment in their franchise’s history.