The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the offseason with a clear priority: solidifying their quarterback situation. While other roster upgrades are necessary, finding the right signal-caller before the 2025 season remains the team’s most pressing concern. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are both in the mix, but Fields appears to be the more affordable and promising long-term option.
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Quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson sit on the bench during a regular season game for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Steelers fans got to experience Wilson and Fields in the 2024 season. Throughout the 2024 season, both Fields and Wilson had opportunities to prove themselves. Each quarterback delivered thrilling moments that excited Steelers fans, but they also experienced their share of struggles, leaving the team without a definitive answer at the position. Now Wilson and Fields are free agents and their next moves remain uncertain.
Many expect Fields to return while Wilson will likely walk in free agency but fresh insight emerged on Wednesday morning regarding the ongoing quarterback debate. NFL insider Aditi Kinkhabwala appeared on 93.7 The Fan to share what she’s heard about Wilson’s future in Pittsburgh beyond 2024. Kinkhabwala revealed that, according to every source she has with close ties to the Steelers, Wilson is not expected to be part of the team in 2025.
“Everything I’ve been told from people in the building is that Russell Wilson will not be re-signing with the Steelers,” Kinkhabwala said.
Kinkhabwala’s comments weren’t exactly groundbreaking, as many Steelers fans have already come to terms with the idea of Wilson not returning. It’s actually what many Steelers fans are hopeful for. That’s not a knock on him—he arrived in Pittsburgh as the ideal veteran leader the team needed in 2024.
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Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson gives Head Coach Mike Tomlin a high-five as the team participates in a 2024 regular season game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Given a one-year, prove-it deal, Wilson was entrusted with the offense, but when adversity hit, he couldn’t elevate the team to the level required to secure his future in Pittsburgh. The Steelers lost five straight to end his 2024 campaign and that appears to have been the writing on the wall.
The biggest concern with Wilson is his age—at 36, many Steelers fans were already hesitant about his long-term viability. Even more concerning was his performance as the starting quarterback, which left many underwhelmed despite him earning just over $1 million in 2024. That bargain salary was only possible because the Denver Broncos were still footing most of the bill, a clear indication of how little they valued him—going so far as to pay millions just to get him off their roster.
Steelers Appear To Be Ready To Move On From Russell Wilson
Wilson’s projected market value sits at $38.7 million, though whether he actually commands that price remains to be seen. If that is indeed his asking price, most Steelers fans would consider it an absurd investment. What’s more surprising is that reports previously suggested the Steelers’ front office was split on whether to move forward with Wilson or Fields. However, with this latest insight, it now appears even less likely that Wilson will return in 2025.
On the other hand, Fields’ market value is estimated at just $6.4 million. He’s more than a decade younger than Wilson and possesses immense potential. The biggest question is whether he’ll ever put it all together.
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Steelers quarterback Justin Fields warms up on the field as the team gets ready to play a 2024 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
For every jaw-dropping highlight, there’s an equally frustrating mistake, leaving doubts about whether he can truly thrive as an NFL quarterback. Still, Steelers fans are eager to find out, and at his price point, bringing Fields back seems like a logical move. All signs are now pointing toward Pittsburgh moving on from Wilson and handing the reins to Fields. Of course, speculation surrounding potential alternatives like Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford will continue until the Steelers make their final decision.