Pittsburgh Steelers facing crucial QB situation drawing near to Free Agency
What will it take for the Steelers to finally get their starting quarterback after losing Big Ben to retirement? That answer could very well already be on the team.
After another optimistic yet disappointing season, the Steelers reach the playoffs only to lose to their rivals in the Baltimore Ravens. The front office thought they could turn things around by adding two very talented quarterbacks in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. There were good times and bad when these two quarterbacks took over the starting role in the 2024 season, but of course it came with a price now that the season is over.
Both quarterbacks were signed to 1 year deals. Now, Pittsburgh is left with decisions. One of which is starting to take off as we head into Free Agency.
Justin Fields is starting to get recognition, and rightfully so. In the six games he started, Fields put up over 1,000 yards, 10 total touchdowns, and only 1 interception. His record in those six games was 4-2, starting the season hot by putting the Steelers first in the AFC North by week 6. Fields then found himself backup to veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.
Currently the Steelers are at risk of losing Fields to the free agency market, and some teams are just lying in wait for that to happen, notably the Jets. With the team informing Aaron Rodgers they will be parting ways with him this off- season, it’s time for the Jets to look elsewhere. Who better else to look at than young, talented Justin Fields coming off an impressive season. The Jets are currently listed as a ‘sleeper’ team for Justin Fields, but don’t be surprised if he has a one- way ticket to New York in the next couple months.
Now for the Steelers, there have reportedly been signs that they were ‘optimistic’ in keeping Fields. However, this sense of hesitation is not helping that case. If the Steelers were eager to keep Fields they have to act now. If not, a bidding war would ensue with any team who has interest in the quarterback, mainly including the New York Jets. This would cost the team a whole lot more than if they were to sign Fields before the Free Agency market opened.
CJ Stroud, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes. The final four quarterbacks, in the AFC, that led their teams to battle in the Divisional Round of the 2025 playoffs. The common factor between these four outstanding quarterbacks, dual threat. They can beat defenses in both pass and rush, something the Steelers lack in the quarterback position without Justin Fields. Now four years of experience in the NFL, Fields has all the potential to be a bona fide starting quarterback and fit into the mold of most successful quarterbacks currently, that is being a dual threat.
I’ll leave it with this. Justin Fields market value is estimated to fall between $6-7 million. On the other hand, with Russell Wilson you are looking upwards of $40 million. If I am the Steelers, with a now raised cap space, keep the young, talented Justin Fields on your roster for a low price. The standard isn’t the standard anymore. Teams need a mobile, accurate quarterback to strive in this league nowadays, just look at the reigning Super Bowl champions. The Steelers need to act fast and invest in their younger, more mobile quarterback before it’s too late.
