NFL Trade Rumors: Pittsburgh Steelers Leaning Towards Justin Fields Over Russell Wilson at Quarterback

The Pittsburgh Steelers are bracing for another tumultuous offseason at quarterback. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Steelers intend to enter the 2025 regular season with either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson starting at quarterback, with Fields being the likelier option.

From @GMFB: The #Vikings are not expected to tag Sam Darnold in a fluid situation, the #Chiefs already tagged G Trey Smith, and the #Steelers appear to leaning towards QB Justin Fields... pic.twitter.com/KKWMmc73fY
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2025

Fields and Wilson are both expected to hit unrestricted free agency when the new league year begins next week. It's unlikely the Steelers will be able to retain both, so they'll have to pick a favorite.

After three disappointing seasons with the Chicago Bears, Fields joined the Steelers last March via trade. He opened the 2024 season as the Steelers' starter due in part to Wilson suffering a calf injury in August, winning four of his six starts.

However, Fields' up-and-down play wasn't enough to hold off Wilson. Wilson took over in Week 7 and won six of his first seven starts. Unfortunately, five straight losses to end the season, including a Wildcard round drubbing at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens, has cast doubt over Wilson's long-term viability as a starter.

It's difficult to discern who will have a hotter market between Wilson and Fields, but the Steelers should be able to entice whichever quarterback they prefer to stay. Few teams with an opening at quarterback can offer a strong enough surrounding cast for a playoff push, and the Steelers have already shown they can play consistently winning football even with their quarterbacks struggling. They've yet to finish below .500 in any season under head coach Mike Tomlin.

Still, rolling with either of last year's quarterbacks should hardly be a thrilling proposition for Steelers fans. They finished 16th in points scored, and they haven't won a playoff game since the 2017 postseason. Starting Fields or Wilson is a recipe for mediocrity.

Ultimately, the Steelers should consider Fields (or Wilson) nothing more than a bridge quarterback. It's time to find a young passer through the draft.