The Pittsburgh Steelers had quality quarterback play from two individuals during the 2024 season in Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Both quarterbacks were only under contract for one year, and the organization was set on trying to re-sign Fields after the season ended. That is no longer an option as the quarterback signed a new deal with the New York Jets, and the Steelers are still without a starting quarterback for the 2025 season.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields arrives at training camp in Latrobe ahead of the 2024 season.
The Jets always seemed like a natural landing spot for Fields, as the organization is under a new regime and is in no position to select a top quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. Fields is still a promising young player due to his endless athleticism and mobility. The Jets began to be a threat to Pittsburgh about a week before free agency opened, and when the news broke that Fields would be testing the market.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport broke the news of Fields signing with New York, and the quarterback signed a two-year deal worth $40 million with $30 million guaranteed.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields throw at practice for the Steelers during the 2024 season.
The Steelers will be playing against their former quarterback during the 2025 season, as Pittsburgh is set to travel to Metlife Stadium to take on the Jets. This will be a highly anticipated matchup, as the Steelers replaced Fields with Wilson as the starting quarterback after six games in 2024. The Jets certainly overpaid a bit to land Fields, but he was the Steelers top choice at quarterback.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields runs with the football during Week 12 of the 2024 season against the Cleveland Browns.
Steelers Have Limited Options At Quarterback
After Fields is confirmed to be leaving Pittsburgh, the Steelers don't have many options at quarterback moving forward. The team could re-sign Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers is also an option. Another quarterback awaiting a deal in free agency is Daniel Jones, although none of these options are very inspiring.
Rodgers and Wilson both have plenty of experience, but neither fit the mold of what it takes to be an elite quarterback in the NFL today. Both struggle mobility, and they are two of the oldest players at the position in the league. Jones has been inconsistent on bad teams throughout his career, but he may be able to play better when surrounded by an improved roster.
AP
Steelers Head coach Mike Tomlin shakes hands with former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers while Russell Wilson and Justin Fields look on after a home game in Pittsburgh.
Overall, things are not looking good for the Steelers at quarterback. Fans wanted to see Fields back in 2025, and that is now off the table. The decision to not bring back Fields may come back to haunt Pittsburgh, especially when it visits Metlife in 2025.
What do you think of Fields signing with the Jets? Let us know in the comments below!
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