Are we stuck in a time loop, or is this déjà vu from last offseason? The whole of July and August before the ’24 season, we have heard the Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields. Now, as the Steelers come to an early end, the debate is back… Heated up like it never cooled down. You see, it all started when Russ and Sean Payton couldn’t coexist in Denver. That fallout landed Wilson in Pittsburgh, and for a moment, it seemed like the Steelers had struck gold.

Mike Tomlin made it clear: “Russell Wilson is QB1.” But as the season played out, the highs of a 6-1 run turned into a 6-6 skid. And now, just a week after their Wild Card loss to Baltimore, the Steelers face the same ol’ QB dilemma. But maybe, just maybe, this time the outcome might be different.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac has stirred the pot, suggesting Justin Fields could be the Steelers’ starter in 2025: “With the way the season ended with five consecutive losses and a disconnect existing with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, that deal might not materialize. Wilson was brought here to help end the playoff victory drought. And it didn’t happen. Bringing in another veteran quarterback does not make sense. That’s why Fields, in all likelihood, will be given the job.”

The numbers don’t lie, they tell a compelling story. Wilson may have taken more snaps (719 to Fields’ 408), but their production wasn’t miles apart. Here’s a breakdown:

At 36, Wilson’s experience shines in areas like passing yardage and touchdowns. But Fields, at just 25, offers more upside, especially with his mobility. Dulac nailed it when he pointed out, “This will be the third time in the past four years the Steelers head into the offseason with uncertainty at quarterback.” How much longer can Pittsburgh fans endure this?

Add to that, the Steel City’s growing pains with Mike Tomlin. We’ll hit you with the numbers… Eight years without a playoff win, multiple Wild Card exits, and game management that feels stuck in a pre-2020 NFL. Pittsburgh is tired of mediocrity. So, when you say Tomlin has never had a losing season in 18 seasons as an HC, so far in his career. Just know at what expense.

However, the Steelers’ front office has cleared their stance: Tomlin will take the reins, next season. SIGH! But the pain doesn’t stop there for Pittsburgh. Even Russ is not ready to throw in the towel just yet. Ah, sh-t! Here we go again…

Does Russell Wilson have the bleakest chance of getting the QB1 again?

So, after that gut-punch loss to the Ravens, Russell Wilson said, “That’s the plan. I love it here in Pittsburgh… I think we have a great football team. Obviously, it didn’t end the way we wanted it to, and I think there’s a lot more to do.” You gotta love the guy’s optimism.

But is it enough to win over Pittsburgh’s heart again? That’s a tough one. Especially with a performance that fizzled out toward the end of the season, can he still make a case for QB1, or are the Steelers moving on?

Now, here’s the tough part. The Steelers have a big decision to make. Do they stick with Wilson for another season, hand the keys to Justin Fields, or just burn it all down and start from scratch? Seriously, if you’re in Pittsburgh, which way do you go? This offseason feels like the final chapter in the “Who’s QB1?” saga. But will it be?

Mike Tomlin has always loved Russell Wilson’s leadership, and that’s something the Steelers have needed since Big Ben hung up his cleats. But let’s be real: Tomlin’s one flaw has been hanging on to “his guys,” even when it’s clear they’ve hit their ceiling. With Wilson hitting free agency again, there’s chatter he could score a hefty contract in a weak free agency class.

According to Spotrac, Wilson might land a 2-year, $77.46 million deal—that’s $38.7 million per year. But here’s the kicker: can the Steelers justify that after his late-season collapse? If they can snag him on a cheaper one-year deal, though, that’s a whole different story.

Let’s be honest, that 0-5 slide to end the season has got to be nagging them. So, do the Steelers still believe in Wilson? Or is it just time to move on? It’s a tough call, especially when you look at the quarterback options available. Not exactly a quarterback-heavy market, if you know what I mean. Wilson and Fields are probably the top two names out there—if the Steelers choose to make them available.

And here’s where it gets interesting. Fields wasn’t just a backup this year. He got some serious work in training camp and even started six games. Sure, he wasn’t flawless, but he showed promise. The Steelers didn’t bring him in just for kicks. Could it be they see something in him? Maybe they think Fields has what it takes.