The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ offseason is still in its early stages, but there’s already plenty of debate surrounding key decisions, particularly regarding the quarterback position. As the team evaluates player contracts, coaching effectiveness, and potential changes, the focus is intensifying on who should be under center next season.
ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler reached out to league sources to explore major offseason topics, including the future of the Steelers’ quarterback room—a long-standing issue. Over the past three seasons, five different quarterbacks have started games for the team, and opinions remain divided on what the Steelers should do next.
Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, the quarterbacks who started for Pittsburgh this past season, are set to become free agents. The front office faces tough decisions regarding both. Fowler notes that while Wilson’s tenure with the Steelers wasn’t a failure, he didn’t lead the team to the playoffs as hoped. At 36 years old and with average production, Fowler doesn’t see a new contract for Wilson as likely, especially with Fields in the mix.
Fields, just 25, is seen as a younger option with a more dynamic skill set, and some believe he could be the team’s future—at least for another season. After joining the Steelers mid-season, Fields went 4-2 as a starter, passing for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception while also contributing 289 rushing yards and five touchdowns. His development in just six games has led to increasing speculation that Fields could start next season.
However, Fowler points out that many in the league are uncertain about the Steelers’ quarterback plans, with some executives still considering a return for Wilson. There’s also the potential for the Steelers to draft a quarterback high, although their draft position (21st overall) may not provide an ideal opportunity for a top-tier prospect. The team has historically struggled to land elite quarterbacks due to their consistent performance, which has kept them out of the top draft picks.
The Steelers’ pick at No. 21 overall is one spot lower than the pick used to select Kenny Pickett, who was the first quarterback taken in 2022 but was traded ahead of the 2024-25 season. This raises questions about whether the team will make the same mistake in a “weaker” quarterback class. NFL Mock Draft Database predicts only two quarterbacks to go in the first round, further complicating the Steelers’ plans.
Given this context, Fowler’s analysis of Fields as a viable starting option for 2024 seems increasingly plausible. If the Steelers don’t take a quarterback in the first round, Fields provides a young, talented, and cost-effective solution for at least one more year.
If the team does decide to take another shot at a late-first-round quarterback, names like Jalen Milroe from Alabama, Quinn Ewers from Texas, and Jaxson Dart from Mississippi could be in play.
The 2025 NFL Draft begins on April 24, and the Steelers may wait to sign Fields until after the draft to keep their options open, or they could act sooner to clear up their quarterback situation. The decision remains up in the air, but it’s becoming clearer as the offseason progresses.
Leave a Reply