The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the spiciest quarterback rooms in the NFL, as they gear up for the 2024 regular season. New faces Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will be competing for the QB1 spot. Both quarterbacks have a lot to prove for themselves, but the Steelers as an organization already have enough pressure on them considering their current playoff win drought. Both Wilson and Fields are only under contract for the 2024 season, and a Pittsburgh insider doesn't see an extension happening for either until the results of this season are displayed.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson at offseason workouts together.
It's not as much of a surprise to hear that the Steelers want to play out Wilson's season before handing him another contract. The 35 year old is coming off what has been considered his worst two seasons with the Denver Broncos, yet still will be earning a lot of money from them regardless. With the Steelers only having to pay Wilson the veteran minimum this season, they have no reason to bank on him having a perfect season. Wilson revealed early after his arrival that he hopes to come to agreements on another contract with the Black and Gold, but that of course, will have to be earned.
If either of the new quarterbacks were going to be given an extension early, it would likely be Fields. Considering he's only going into his fourth year, there's still questions if he's been maxed out to his full potential. Fields is obviously one of the most athletic and talented quarterbacks in all of football, but the Steelers may not get to see him on the field much if Wilson reverts back to his old, winning self. It'd be a complete disappointment if the fans didn't get to see what Fields could do, and then he moved on to another team next year.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields practices a handoff during the team's 2024 Organized Team Activities.
Because of this, there's been speculation that Pittsburgh could give Fields a one-year extension, securing his presence in 2025. As a former first-round pick, Fields came to the Steel City after the trade with a fifth-year option, which would have kept him through 2025. That came with a big price of $25 million however, which the Steelers were not willing to commit to.
Green Bay Packers quarterback, Jordan Love was in a similar boat last year, where his fifth-year option worth $20 million was also not picked up. Instead, Green Bay gave Love a one-year extension worth around half of that, which is something that the Steelers could potentially do with Fields. However, while talking about this situation regarding Fields and Love on 93.7 The Fan, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo doesn't see the team giving Fields an extension like this.
"In terms of quarterbacks, I think they just want to see how it plays out," Fittipaldo said about the two quarterbacks. "I think that's been what the plan was since March. I think in the end, they're gonna see what goes down in 2024 and then they'll work feverishly from the end of the season until the middle of March to try to figure out who they're gonna pay."
Fittipaldo says it's important to see if Fields can play, but there are no guarantees. The insider says you wouldn't want to lock Fields in on $13 million and then also have to pay Wilson if he performs well in 2024. Depending on how this season plays out, the Steelers will have an intriguing situation next offseason deciding on which quarterback, if either, returns for 2025.
How Much Would The Steelers Pay Russell Wilson After A Great Season?
Fittipaldo and the crew talked more about contracts with the quarterbacks, and he was asked how much the Steelers would be willing to pay a guy like Wilson if he wins them a playoff game.
"I mean, I'm just going to throw a number out here, $35-$37 million over two years. So, what, $75-$80 million over two years, take him up to his 37, 38 (years old). I don't think you go above 40 [million dollars] for a guy who's that old."
Those numbers seem big, but to put it into perspective, there are currently 14 other quarterbacks making at least $40 million per year. Some of these guys are right around Wilson's ballpark when it comes to capabilities and production.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Russell Wilson (3).
With the franchise not guaranteeing anything to either quarterbacks, there will be a tense competition between the two all season long to see who can resurrect their career best. Pittsburgh has a better roster than recent years, and it's time to start winning in the postseason again.
What do you think? Are the Steelers doing it right by playing out this season? Or should they give Fields a contract to keep his talents for the future? Let us know in the comments.
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