Steelers Missing Out On Matthew Stafford Will Expedite Quarterback Decision

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the several quarterback-needy teams in the NFL during the offseason. Some of those teams, like the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans, are in position to find their next quarterback through the 2025 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, that is not the case in Pittsburgh, as the Steelers have been deciding between bringing back either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, as well as other external options. 

Pittsburgh was also considered to be a contender for Matthew Stafford, who the Los Angeles Rams were considering moving on from. Stafford was still under contract, but he wanted a new deal, and Los Angeles allowed him to test the market to see how much he was worth. If the Rams were unwilling to match any other offers Stafford got, he could have been traded, but ultimately the veteran quarterback agreed on a new deal to stay in Los Angeles.

Stafford landing in Pittsburgh was always a long shot, as teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants were more invested in landing the veteran. However, this move is still significant for Pittsburgh. Stafford was the best quarterback available, and now that he has agreed to a new deal, the rest of the quarterback market should get moving.

As Adam Schefter stated in his report, Stafford was the first domino to fall on the quarterback market. This creates some clarity for other organizations that need a quarterback, as they can start putting more effort into pursuing other options. Other available quarterbacks include Aaron Rodgers, Fields, Wilson, and Sam Darnold if he does not receive the Franchise Tag from the Minnesota Vikings. 

Free agency begins on March 12th, which is when those quarterbacks can starts negotiating deals with other teams. However, Pittsburgh can work on a new deal with Wilson or Fields until then. The goal for Pittsburgh should be to sign one of those quarterbacks ahead of the start of free agency so their value does not increase on the open market.

Fields is the cheaper option, and the organization can afford to slightly over pay the young quarterback in an attempt to convince him not to test his value in free agency. Wilson will be more expensive, and the fan base will not have a pretty reaction if he ends up getting a new multi-year deal in Pittsburgh. The Steelers now know that Stafford is no longer an option, which means a deal with either Wilson or Fields can come any minute.

Steelers' Quarterback Decision Should Be Obvious

Pittsburgh should be driven to re-sign Fields before the start of free agency. Wilson is nearing the end of his career, and there were moments during the 2024 season where he looked like a statue in the pocket. The veteran can still throw a great deep ball and often plays with anticipation, but Fields should be considered the smarter decision in both the short-term and the long-term.

Bringing back Fields as the starter in 2025 is the smartest decision the organization could make. Signing Rodgers or re-signing Wilson would be considered a lateral move, and adding a quarterback like Darnold would be risky as he has just one successful season under his belt. Fields went 4-2 as a starter in Pittsburgh, and he has the potential to take this team far if given a chance. The Steelers should be able to find his backup in the middle-rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, and that would be a solid quarterback plan for next season.

When do you expect the Steelers to make their quarterback decision? Let us know in the comments below!

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