The Pittsburgh Steelers have an interesting offseason ahead of them once the 2024 season comes to a close. There are a few interesting pending free agents on the team, including running back Najee Harris. While Harris is an important free agent for Pittsburgh, many fans will be more focused on the team's quarterback situation as Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are playing on expiring contracts. It is unlikely the organization will be able to keep both, so the entire situation has been a strong topic of discussion.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields and Russell Wilson during training camp ahead of the 2024 season.
Fields started the first six games of the season for the Steelers and played pretty well, and Wilson has looked good in his five games as a starter as he had led the Steelers to a 4-1 record. It is fair to say that both quarterbacks have earned themselves a decent-sized contract in 2025 and beyond, and it is likely only one will be able to stay in Pittsburgh. Wilson has been the starter for the Steelers so he will likely stay with the Steelers, which NFL insider Dianna Russini wrote on Saturday.
"The free-agent QB market is lacking, with Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson among the top names — though Wilson is expected to stay with the Steelers and the Vikings could decide to keep Darnold if he’s willing to be a backup." Russini wrote. "Justin Fields, Derek Carr (whom the Jets pursued before Rodgers) and Daniel Jones are also potential targets, but none of them stand out as an ideal fit."
Russini wrote about these quarterbacks while discussing the New York Jets' quarterback situation moving forward as Aaron Rodgers is expected to move on after 2024. Wilson and Fields are each set to hit free agency, but if only one can be retained, there is a good chance the other lands with either team in New York. Wilson is likely to stay with the Steelers, and it has been speculated that the quarterback will receive a new three-year deal.
Steelers.com
The Steelers offense, led by Russell Wilson, tried to hold on to a lead against the Browns in Week 12.
Wilson has played well since becoming the starter earlier in the year, but there are definitely pros and cons when it comes to inking the 35-year old quarterback to a new deal. For starters, the age isn't ideal. Wilson can barely move around in the backfield and it is a big reason the Steelers lost in Week 12. Wilson was sacked four times where he was essentially stagnant in the backfield while he held on to the football for far too long.
The leadership and experience that Wilson provides is unmatched, and the offense has certainly performed better with him at the helm. However, a three-year deal or anything long-term seems like a major risk for the Steelers. Wilson has made a lot of money in his career, so if he is willing to take a semi team-friendly deal then it shouldn't even be a question to sign him past the 2024 season.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields runs with the football during Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns.
Steelers Will Likely Lose Justin Fields After The 2024 Season
There are too many quarterback-needy teams in the NFL for Fields to stay in Pittsburgh past the 2024 season if Wilson is the quarterback that is brought back. There will probably be a starting spot for Fields somewhere across the league, and if he wants it he will probably be able to take it. Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 record while starting in place of Wilson to begin the season, and he has shown he has become a more efficient passer since his time with the Chicago Bears.
If Fields wants to continue to learn under Wilson he may have the option to stay in Pittsburgh, but it is more than likely that the quarterback will go elsewhere to revive his career as a starter.
What do you think of Wilson coming back in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
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