After a strong 10-3 start to the 2024 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers lost the final four games of the regular season and were eliminated by the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild-Card round of the playoffs.
The Steelers had two capable quarterbacks on the roster throughout the year, both of whom signed one-year deals with the team last offseason. Justin Fields started the first six games for Pittsburgh with Russell Wilson sidelined due to an injury, recording a 4-2 record.
Wilson made his Steelers debut in Week 7 against the New York Jets. He led his team to six wins in his first seven games before the late-season collapse.
Now, with NFL free agency coming up, the Steelers will likely only be able to keep one of Fields or Wilson, and it appears they are leaning in one direction.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields (2), Russell Wilson (3)
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
On Tuesday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport joined “The Insiders” to discuss Pittsburgh’s quarterback dilemma. He proceeded to reveal that Pittsburgh will likely be going with Fields in 2025 over Wilson.
“It does seem like it’s going down the direction of the Steelers signing one of these quarterbacks,” Rapoport said. “That was the plan. The most likely starting quarterback option was from within their locker room. As far as I can tell, based on the sources I’ve spoken with, it is more likely that Justin Fields is the next quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers rather than Russell Wilson.”
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: The #Steelers still need a starting QB in 2025 and there's a better chance it's Justin Fields than Russell Wilson. What does that mean? pic.twitter.com/QdePqi8YaH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2025
Despite only appearing in 10 games and starting in six, Fields looked like the best version of his NFL self during the 2024 season. The former Chicago Bears quarterback completed 106-of-161 passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and an interception while adding another 289 yards and five scores on the ground.
Wilson, on the other hand, still performed well enough to earn a spot in the Pro Bowl as a replacement. He ended his one year with Pittsburgh recording 2,482 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Fields has proven he can keep a team competitive. At 26, he also offers the Steelers a long-term option at quarterback, whereas the 36-year-old Wilson is nearing the latter stage of his career.
