The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the middle of their best season in quite some time. They currently lead the AFC North as the team prepares for its Week 11 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. A big reason for the season being such a success so far is the play of the two quarterbacks, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Fields started the season off with a 4-2 record as a starter while Wilson is 3-0 since taking over the offense. The organization will have some difficult decisions to make once the offseason rolls around, as both quarterbacks are only signed through the end of the 2024 season.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson and Calvin Austin III during training camp in 2024.
Wilson has been impressive and the group looks the best it has since before Ben Roethlisberger retired. While it is easy to get caught up in the success of the current team, it is hard not to worry about the future of the organization and the quarterback position. Both Wilson and Fields are set to be free agents after the 2024 season ends, and it seems like the organization may opt to give Wilson a new deal. Insider Ray Fittipaldo went on Rothman & Ice on Wednesday, where he shared what a new Wilson deal would probably look like.
"I think as long as Russell Wilson continues to play at this level, I think they're gonna do business with Wilson after the season ends," Fittipaldo said. "They'll probably do a two or three-year deal with him. The model is probably the Baker Mayfield contract, three years, $100 million. I don't know how much of that was guaranteed. I think that would take Russ right up until 39 or 40."
Baker Mayfield was in the same situation as Wilson during the 2023 season. He signed a one-year, prove-it deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and wound up playing so well that it was a no-brainer to bring him back. Mayfield and Tampa Bay agreed on a three-year deal worth $100 million with $50 million guaranteed. Wilson's contract probably won't look exactly like this, but it will probably be close.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson during OTAs.
There is a major difference between Mayfield and Wilson, and that is their age. Wilson will be turning 36 at the end of November, and there is no question that he is on the tail-end of his career. The veteran quarterback has aspirations to play for a long time, but that isn't always feasible. A three-year deal would mean Wilson would be in Pittsburgh through the 2027 season, when Wilson would be 39.
Wilson may improve some as he familiarizes himself with the offense throughout the rest of this year, but what he is, is what he is. There won't be much improvement from the quarterback as he gets further into his thirties. A three-year deal would be very risky for the Steelers, especially if there is a lot of guaranteed money involved.
Steelers Still Have Justin Fields As An Option For The Future
There is a world where the organization decides to bring both Wilson and Fields back, but that is very unlikely unless one of the quarterbacks decides to take a salary that is way below their market value. Fields started six games for Pittsburgh and went 4-2 while taking care of the football, therefore he will be an attractive free agent to a lot of teams during the 2025 offseason.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields makes adjustments at the line of scrimmage against the Denver Broncos in 2024.
However, he should still be an option for the Steelers moving forward. The offense looks great with Wilson, but the age and upside of Fields is undeniable.
The Steelers will have other decisions to make once the offseason rolls around. Some critical players will become free agents, including Najee Harris, Dan Moore Jr., Donte Jackson, and Elandon Roberts. It will be interesting to see how General Manager Omar Khan navigates what will be a difficult offseason.
What do you want the Steelers to do at quarterback after the 2024 season concludes? Let us know in the comments below!
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