The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 season is going to come down to the quarterback position, and the organization still does not have a starter under contract. The franchise has been trying to re-sign Justin Fields, but he is expected to have a strong market and will likely test out his value in free agency. This does not take him off the table as an option, but it does mean Pittsburgh needs to have a strong backup plan.
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Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold celebrates and runs towards the end zone after making a big play during a professional football game in Minneapolis, MN.
One option for the Steelers if Fields goes elsewhere is Sam Darnold. The veteran quarterback struggled to begin his career as he could never find his footing with the New York Jets or Carolina Panthers. He had a breakout year in 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings, and after it became clear that the Vikings would not be using the Franchise Tag on him, he became a top option for Pittsburgh at quarterback.
NFL insider Dianna Russini broke the news on Monday that the Steelers would be offering Darnold a contract in free agency.
The Steelers are expected to make an offer to pending free agent Sam Darnold, per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 9, 2025
Many around the league believe Darnold will wind up in Seattle, but Pittsburgh is doing its due diligence on any potential options ahead of the new league year.
Darnold is going to have a strong market, and he is going to be expensive to sign. He is currently projected to receive roughly $40 million per season on a four-year contract. This would be a large financial commitment from Pittsburgh, especially for a quarterback who has only had one good season.
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Vikings' Sam Darnold stands during the National Anthem before a game in 2024.
Darnold had a great year in 2024 and he certainly deserves a lucrative deal, however he had a lot of help around him. He had the luxury of playing under an extremely quarterback-friendly head coach in Kevin O'Connell, and he was also throwing to one of the best wide receiver duos in the league with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The help he had in 2024 paired with his strenuous resume in the NFL should make any organization cautious when it comes to inking him to a large contract.
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Steelers' Justin Fields arrives at training camp in Latrobe ahead of the 2024 season.
Steelers Still Have Justin Fields As An Option At Quarterback
Pittsburgh may need to overpay to get Fields to return to Pittsburgh, but it would be nowhere near the price of a deal for Darnold. Bringing back Fields makes all the sense in the world for the Steelers, and if the young quarterback gives them the chance to match any deal he receives they should take it.
The Steelers remain interested in re-signing Justin Fields, per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 9, 2025
Should Fields hit the market, the Jets are expected to show strong interest in the 26-year-old. pic.twitter.com/WatEzsw4YD
It will be interesting to see how the next week unfolds for the Steelers, as it will have a lot to do with what the team's ceiling is heading into the 2025 season.
Would you like it if the Steelers signed Darnold? Let us know in the comments below!
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