Steelers Must Make a QB Decision Before Free Agency
As the Pittsburgh Steelers head into another offseason, the biggest question they must answer is who will be under center in 2025—but not for the most obvious reason. With both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields set to hit free agency, the team needs to settle its quarterback situation before the chaos of free agency begins. With not only the fear of losing both quarterbacks, leaving the position in limbo could make it difficult to attract top wide receivers who want clarity on who will be throwing them the ball.
If the Steelers want to build a stronger offense, they must lock in their quarterback early. A premier wide receiver—something they desperately need—is unlikely to sign without knowing the team’s plan under center. The choice of quarterback will shape the offense’s identity and play a crucial role in convincing top-tier talent to come to Pittsburgh.
Different receivers have different preferences. Some may be drawn to Wilson’s veteran leadership and Super Bowl experience, while others might be excited about Fields’ youth and dynamic playmaking ability. There’s also the possibility that some receivers won’t be eager to play with either, making it even more critical for the Steelers to establish a clear direction before trying to lure a big-name wideout.
By settling the quarterback situation before free agency, the Steelers can confidently pursue a true difference-maker at receiver. If they enter the offseason with uncertainty, they risk missing out on game-changing talent—again. The front office must act fast to strengthen the roster and set the team up for success in 2025.
The sooner the Steelers make their decision, the better their chances of landing impact players who can elevate the offense. With the AFC North—and the AFC as a whole—getting tougher every year, Pittsburgh can’t afford to drag its feet. This decision can’t linger. Be aggressive and secure QB1.
While it might make sense for the Steelers to a get a QB lined up before free agency, why would a QB ever want to do such a thing? I would think that one of the dumbest things that Russell Wilson or Justin Fields could do is to sign with the Steelers now, a mere month or so before knowing what their open market values are.
As well, just as a WR or whatnot would want to see what the Steelers QB situation looks like before signing with Pittsburgh, wouldn’t Wilson or Fields similarly benefit in the opposite way? They might want to see what the WR / offensive line situation looks like on a potential team before signing there. Heck, they’d be nuts not to.
Doing this is certainly not the “norm” as it pertains to free agents, but it does happen. Look at last year when both Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield signed with the Bucs before the start of free agency. If players want to stay in one place, they’ll get a deal done they feel is fair. If Wilson or Fields sign before free agency, that tells you a lot about their feelings regarding the organization.
I absolutely agree! Even if we just sign Fields as a bridge for the time being, let’s get it settled early!
Since we know they’re keeping the OC, this should not be a hard decision to make. You have to pick the QB that can be the most effective in the system = Fields. Until this decision is made no other decision should be made.
I wonder if you could get Wilson for 2-year $60M and Fields for 3-year $45M. It doesn’t really solve the problem per se, but you go in with the idea of Wilson in 2025 and Fields takes over in 2026 and 2027. I don’t think either guy is the answer, but I don’t see it coming to them in the near future through the draft. So have to have something to hand your hat on.