Steelers' Decision Exposed: "It's Obviously Justin Fields" As They Keep Russell Wilson On The Hook

Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan spoke with the media from the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine and clarified that solving the team's quarterback dilemma is the top priority. Khan echoed the earlier sentiments of Art Rooney II in saying their preference is to keep either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, but acknowledged that both are free agents and could look elsewhere. Regardless, he hopes to have one locked in by the start of the league's new year on March 12th.

The Steelers extended a life raft to both Wilson and Fields in 2024, bringing them in on one-year contracts. While the two are at opposite ends of their career, they were both leaving bad situations with their old teams. After watching them both play, Pittsburgh hoped they would have a clear-cut answer for 2025, but that didn't happen. 

There have been reports that most of the staff prefer Fields to Wilson. However, they have to handle this carefully. Fields could be sensitive from being benched earlier this season for Wilson. He will likely want a longer-term deal, refusing a one-year bridge contract. Longtime Steelers insider Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show told his podcast co-host, Chris Mack on their show Kaboly and Mack, that he believes their preference for Fields is obvious. 

"They would know what's going on right now," explained Kaboly. "Obviously, it's Justin Fields, they're waiting for his decision. Let's put it this way: if they put an offer to Russell and an offer to Justin on the table at the same time, wouldn't you think Russell would have taken it by now? They'll be like, 'Ok, we will get back to you. We're really interested in bringing you back.' Of course, they're going to have to say this. Translate is like let's see what else happens before we come back to you."

Mack said he agrees it indicates they haven't offered a deal to the 36-year-old Wilson yet. He said the Steelers can't sit in limbo forever; they must give Fields a deadline. Kaboly said they did based on Khan's comment about having this wrapped up before the league's new year.  

The legal tampering period doesn't begin until Monday, March 10th at noon; during that two-day window, teams can try to negotiate a deal with a veteran player through their agent. Fields may want to explore his options in free agency by seeing who calls his agent during that two-day window. Then, he will likely have to decide between money and consistency.  

Steelers Can't Close The Door To Outsiders

While the top brass are all in lockstep about wanting to maintain consistency with Wilson or Fields, there are no guarantees. During his recent press conference, Khan indicated that they are leaving no stone unturned. 

That apparently includes quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford, who have recently been in the spotlight as possibilities for Pittsburgh. Rodgers received word that the New York Jets are parting ways with him after only two seasons, and Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams might not try to make another Super Bowl run together. 

The free agency market isn't strong, and this year's draft class isn't full of great possibilities. The fan base is divided over who makes the most sense for a team that doesn't appear close to a Super Bowl. Rodgers, Wilson, and Stafford are all old enough that their time left in the league is limited. Fields didn't develop as expected when he was drafted, but he is exceptionally athletic and, thus, potentially has a much higher ceiling. 

Do you agree that the Steelers' top choice is Fields, and the team is waiting for an answer? Tell us what you think below!

#SteelerNation