The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently facing an intriguing decision regarding their quarterback situation heading into the 2025 season. The team was fortunate enough to bring in both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields for the 2024 season, which provided a mix of experience and potential at the quarterback position. However, retaining one or both of these quarterbacks for 2025 comes with a significant financial challenge.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson talks to Justin Fields during a game.
At the moment, Fields seems to be the front-runner to return to the Steelers in 2025. While the team hasn’t officially revealed its intentions, it would be hard to justify keeping Wilson, given his age and the declining return on investment for his substantial salary. Fields, on the other hand, presents a much more cost-effective solution, with a market value of $6.4 million.
Another potential option for the Steelers could be drafting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. One name that has started to gain attention is Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has been flying under the radar for much of this early draft cycle. In recent weeks, however, Dart’s stock has risen significantly, making him a more intriguing prospect for teams looking for a future franchise quarterback. The Steelers have been connected to Dart, but taking him in the first round would be a high-risk, high-reward move. ESPN’s draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. recently provided an update on the likelihood of the Steelers selecting Dart on the Unsportsmanlike podcast, adding further intrigue to the team’s quarterback decision.
"Why would the Steelers take a quarterback when they have Justin Fields, who they want to lock in," Kiper said Wednesday on ESPN's Unsportsmanlike. "I believe, and I'm saying that 'cause I don't know any information about it, I gotta believe you move forward with Justin Fields. You don't draft a quarterback [Jaxson Dart] that needs a little time coming out of that Ole Miss offense. They have other needs."
As the draft approaches, the Steelers will have to weigh their options carefully, balancing the immediate need for a reliable signal-caller with the long-term potential of Dart. Wilson’s hefty potential contract, worth almost $40 million, raises questions about his future with the team, especially considering the Steelers' cap space. As a result, while it’s unlikely that both quarterbacks will return, it appears that one of them is poised to stay in Pittsburgh for the upcoming season.
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Steelers' Justin Fields rolls out during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills in 2024.
Fields is the option that Steeler Nation seems to be rallying behind at this stage in the 2025 offseason. He is younger, has considerable upside, and his lower salary allows the Steelers to build around him and address other roster needs. Given the direction the team is headed, Fields’ future in Pittsburgh seems to be a more viable option than paying Wilson an exorbitant amount at this stage in his career or drafting a quarterback early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
It’s fascinating to hear Kiper’s perspective on the Steelers’ potential draft decisions, especially when it comes to their quarterback situation. Many fans would agree that it doesn’t make sense for Pittsburgh to reach for a quarterback in what is considered a weaker draft class, particularly when they already have a veteran in Fields.
Fields offers the Steelers an opportunity to negotiate a fair deal and assess whether he could be the franchise quarterback moving forward. By turning the offense over to Fields, the Steelers can fully evaluate his abilities and, after the 2025 season, have a clearer picture of where they stand at quarterback.
Steelers Risk Repeating The Same Mistake They Made With Kenny Pickett In The 2025 NFL Draft
Drafting Dart would be a high-risk gamble, and one that would likely leave Steelers fans with an unsettling feeling, reminiscent of when the team selected Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 draft. That decision, while made with hope, still leaves lingering questions about the choice to over draft Pickett.
The thought of adding another unproven quarterback to the mix could make fans nervous, especially when the Steelers have more pressing needs to address. While Dart has generated buzz as his draft stock rises, the Steelers must carefully consider the long-term impact of such a choice.
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Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart throws the ball in warmups for a college game in 2024.
With the franchise’s future and the end of their playoff drought on the line, the Steelers’ quarterback decision is one that will have a lasting impact. Fans are anxiously waiting to see what direction the team will take, as the choice between sticking with Fields or drafting Dart could define Pittsburgh’s trajectory for years to come. Ultimately, the decision will shape the foundation of the team’s offense and influence whether they can return to playoff contention.
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