The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a pivotal decision regarding their quarterback situation as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. With both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson set to become free agents, the current sentiment among insiders is that Fields is poised to take over as the starting quarterback.
Current Situation
The Steelers concluded the 2024 season with a disappointing five-game losing streak, raising questions about Wilson’s effectiveness and his future with the team. Wilson, who was initially brought in to rejuvenate the offense, struggled down the stretch, leading to speculation that he may not be re-signed. Reports indicate a disconnect between Wilson and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, which further complicates his standing with the team
Justin Fields’ Performance
Fields, who started six games for the Steelers during the season, demonstrated promise with a 4-2 record. He completed 65.8% of his passes for 1,106 yards, throwing five touchdowns against just one interception. Additionally, he contributed significantly in the running game, rushing for 289 yards and scoring five rushing touchdowns
His athleticism and dual-threat capabilities have drawn comparisons to successful quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen, making him an appealing option for Pittsburgh’s offense moving forward
Insider Opinions
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has expressed that “in all likelihood,” Fields will be named the starter for 2025. He believes that given Fields’ potential and performance relative to Wilson’s late-season struggles, retaining Fields makes more sense for the Steelers as they look to build a competitive team
Other insiders echo this sentiment, suggesting that Fields represents a younger and more dynamic option compared to Wilson, who is 36 years old
Future Considerations
As the Steelers evaluate their options this offseason, they will likely prioritize signing Fields due to his age and upside. The team is also expected to explore drafting a quarterback to ensure they have long-term solutions at the position
With a weak draft class anticipated, focusing on Fields could provide stability while allowing room for development in future seasons
In conclusion, with Russell Wilson’s future in doubt following a lackluster end to the season and Justin Fields showing significant promise, it appears increasingly likely that Fields will be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025. This decision could mark a new chapter for the franchise as they aim to return to playoff contention after years of inconsistency at the quarterback position.
