This post was originally published on this site
As a lukewarm quarterback draft class awaits, several teams need 2025 starters — either for bridge or longer-term purposes. Holding the No. 21 overall pick, the Steelers profile as a team interested in a veteran to keep the reins beyond next season, and it would appear they have a clear preference.
Several reports have pegged the Steelers as ready to retain Justin Fields and separate from Russell Wilson. Only beginning negotiations this offseason (due to a long-held Steelers rule against in-season talks), the team has been in contact with both players.
Unlike other QB-needy teams, steady reports tying the Steelers to outside free agents have not emerged. An either/or plan with Wilson and Fields has long been in place. Fields is more than 10 years younger than the player he primarily backed up last season, but being a clear-cut backup to becoming the same team’s preferred starter option is a somewhat strange arc for a fifth-year quarterback.
Fields, however, has also been connected to other teams. The Colts, Giants, Jets and Raiders have come up as suitors looking into the former first-round pick, and CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala indicates the Fields market appears to be rising. PFR’s No. 8 free agent in this class, Fields could have an option to venture to a team willing to pay more than the Steelers. Though, Pittsburgh could be left scrambling in that scenario. Fields’ market is about to put the Steelers to a test, as it may take more than the team initially planned to keep the 2024 trade acquisition.
Fields has spoken highly of the Steelers, per Kinkhabwala, but the veteran reporter also notes an issue may remain between the young quarterback and Mike Tomlin. Support from players and some assistants existed to keep Fields in the starting lineup after Wilson’s calf healed last year, but Tomlin overruled them, confirming he “acted alone” when it came to giving Wilson his job back. We have heard for several months about the support Fields has gained in the organization, but Kinkhabwala refers to potential “distrust” when assessing Fields’ 2024 Steelers season.
After benching Fields once Wilson recovered by Week 7, Tomlin never turned back to him save for a few package plays. The veteran HC preferred Wilson’s superior passing skills. For a while, he was proven right; the Steelers, though, lost their final five games.
This component would seem to be significant, especially if Fields’ market proves to be robust. Indianapolis, Las Vegas and both New York teams join Cleveland and Tennessee in needing at least a bridge quarterback. The Titans have been connected to Sam Darnold, joining the rest of this lot — save for the Colts — but Fields is two years younger and has three-plus years of starter experience.
While he did not exactly wow as a passer in Pittsburgh, reminding of his Chicago tenure, the Ohio State product is one of the best runners the position has ever seen. Although the Steelers will need to see more from Fields as a passer, he stands out on this year’s FA market due to his age. Darnold, Wilson, Aaron Rodgers and perhaps Kirk Cousins will be available, with Daniel Jones also in the mix. The Steelers could pivot to another QB, but they are in need of some stability — after their Kenny Pickett plan failed — moving forward.
The perennial contender would not be securing immediate access to having an upper-echelon QB if it re-signs Fields, as the Steelers will be viewed as a low-ceiling team until they prove otherwise. But options are limited regarding young players with upside in this market. Fields’ eventual landing spot and his price will be one of this free agency period’s top storylines.