The Pittsburgh Steelers and Head Coach Mike Tomlin faced a challenging situation heading into the 2024 season. After searching for a reliable quarterback during the offseason, Tomlin managed to bring in both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields on affordable deals. Both quarterbacks are now free agents after spending one season in Pittsburgh, with each earning multiple starts in 2024. While both performed solidly, neither secured the starting job for 2025, leaving the Steelers with the crucial decision at quarterback: which one to pay and move forward with?

Barry Reeger / Imagn Images

Quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson sit on the bench during a regular season game for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Fields’ projected market value is around $6.4 million, while Wilson’s is a hefty $38.7 million. Given the significant price difference, Fields appears to be the more logical option. Not only is he more affordable, but he’s also younger, more mobile, and offers greater long-term potential. Many expect the Steelers to strike a deal with Fields.

"I'd be very surprised if Russell Wilson comes back." @caplannfl shares his thoughts on the Pittsburgh Steelers QB situation with @FerrallonGrid:#NFL #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/9c9TfexLpu

— SportsGrid (@SportsGrid) February 21, 2025

On Thursday, the NFL insider Adam Caplan appeared on Ferrall Coast to Coast to discuss the Steelers’ quarterback situation. During the segment, Caplan revealed surprising details about a rift among the Steelers’ coaching staff regarding the decision to bench or stick with Wilson during the team’s late-season losing streak.

“I’d be very surprised if Russell Wilson comes back,” Caplan said. “It is not impossible. I know there’s some people within the Steelers that would like him back. I think there were coaches who were hoping to bench him [Russell Wilson] last year, but were overruled as I understand. I think it’s a mixed bag, but I think they are very intrigued with Justin Fields.”

This insight isn’t particularly shocking, given previous reports suggesting that Arthur Smith and Wilson had a strained working relationship. Although there were claims that the two didn’t see eye to eye toward the end of the season, those reports have been disputed. Still, considering the challenging circumstances, it’s likely that serious disagreements occurred behind the scenes.

AP Photo / Gene J. Puskar

Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and starting quarterback Russell Wilson talk during a team practice in Pittsburgh, PA.

At the center of it all was Tomlin. Fields started the first six games of the 2024 season while Wilson was sidelined with a calf injury. Once Wilson recovered, Tomlin named him the starter, naturally handing the offense back to him. However, that decision didn’t sit well with everyone. Reports later surfaced that Tomlin made the call on his own, suggesting he was the driving force behind sticking with Wilson.

Steelers Likely Should Have Turned To Justin Fields Down The Stretch

At first, the move seemed promising, as the offense showed signs of improvement under Wilson. But after Pittsburgh dropped five straight games to close out the season, it became clear that a change likely should have been made—even if Wilson wasn’t the sole reason for the collapse. Ultimately, he couldn’t do enough to help turn things around.

The Steelers should have turned to Fields, as it was clear Wilson lacked the mobility to navigate the pocket, often allowing it to collapse. This led to the Steelers falling behind against strong opponents and struggling to find answers offensively. Fields, with his dual-threat ability, could have provided a much-needed spark. However, Tomlin’s respect for Wilson and his experience ultimately kept Fields on the sidelines.

ESPN Broadcast / MNF

Steelers’ Russell Wilson and Justin Fields smile during Monday Night Football.

This decision remains one of the main reasons fans are frustrated with how the season ended. Despite five consecutive losses and clear offensive struggles, no changes were made. Tomlin wasn’t even considering benching Wilson for Fields. Despite the fact, Smith and several other coaches allegedly were begging for him to.

Now, the Steelers face another tough decision at quarterback. While signs point to Fields being the starter in 2025, the situation remains fluid and could change quickly. All eyes are on Pittsburgh as the franchise prepares to make decisions that will shape its future.