The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the more peculiar quarterback situations in the NFL, and it is interesting because there currently is not a starting-caliber quarterback on the roster. The franchise is weighing its options between re-signing Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, and much of the fan base is certainly pushing for the younger and more exciting Fields. The organization seems to be leaning towards the young quarterback when it comes to signing a starter for 2025, but it is crucial that the franchise gets a deal done with the electrifying athlete before the start of free agency.
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Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (#2) runs with the football during a regular season football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
Fields is expected to have a strong market if he makes it to free agency, which could make his price tag skyrocket. Both the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders are expected to have strong interest in the quarterback, which makes re-signing him before the start of free agency a priority in Pittsburgh.
The value of a contract for Fields has been debated for some time, and while his market value currently sits around $6.4 million per season, NFL insider Albert Breer expects Fields to get more.
"Speaking of the Steelers, this is, of course, a big week for Pittsburgh to try to get Justin Fields re-signed," Breer wrote. "He’ll have options elsewhere—one team would be the New York Jets, and I wouldn’t be stunned to see Indy throw its hat in the ring—if he gets to the market. I think he has a shot to get a deal like Sam Darnold got with the Minnesota Vikings last year."
Sam Darnold of course signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 as he was expected to help rookie JJ McCarthy transition to the NFL. Unfortunately, McCarthy wound up missing his entire rookie season, and Darnold started all 17 games and had the best season of his career. Some teams expect Fields to be able to take a similar leap, which is why his free agent market is going to be strong.
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Sam Darnold celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass for the Vikings in 2024.
The deal that Darnold signed with Minnesota ahead of the 2024 season was for one season and it was worth $10 million. This would obviously be more than Fields' current market value of $6.4 million, but it might be what it takes to keep the quarterback from getting to free agency. The Steelers can offer Fields a contract like this while also including some incentives if that is what it will take to get Fields to agree to a new deal before the start of free agency.
The quarterback-resurgence has been a common theme over the last several NFL seasons. Baker Mayfield broke out with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, and Darnold did it in Minnesota in 2024. Many around the league believe Fields will be the next quarterback to do so, which makes him an attractive target for quarterback-needy teams.
Steelers May Regret Replacing Justin Fields During 2024 Season
Fields started the first six games of the 2024 season for the Steelers, and he led Pittsburgh to a 4-2 record over that stretch. He wasn't lighting up the box score, but he was getting the job done and improving week after week. He was replaced by Wilson heading into Week 7, and he never got a chance to start again.
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Steelers quarterback Justin Fields runs off the playing surface following a Week 6 game against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV.
The young quarterback may have some animosity towards the organization for the way the 2024 season unfolded. He acted like a professional no matter what was going on, and the organization needs to do everything possible to get him back in the black and gold for the 2025 season. Fields has the potential to be the franchise quarterback in Pittsburgh, which warrants a slight overpay on his contract for the 2025 season.
What do you think about paying Fields $10 million in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
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