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Pittsburgh Faces Uncertainty at Quarterback Ahead of 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been a franchise that values stability. From keeping head coach Mike Tomlin in charge for over a decade to sticking with coordinators through tough stretches, the team prides itself on continuity.
However, that same consistency is starting to look like complacency, particularly when it comes to the quarterback position. With Russell Wilson unlikely to return and doubts surrounding Justin Fields, the Steelers may be forced to bring in a new veteran signal-caller.
Analyst Highlights Concerns Over Fields
While Fields showed flashes of his potential, the Steelers’ coaching staff designed an offense that prioritized minimizing mistakes rather than unlocking his full playmaking ability. His six-game stint in Pittsburgh had moments of promise, but it wasn’t enough to solidify him as the unquestioned starter for 2025.
NFL analyst Chris Simms weighed in on the situation, expressing skepticism about Fields’ return.
“Again, I like Justin Fields, and I root for him, but I feel like, one, if they bring Russell Wilson back, the fan base, and I don’t think the locker room would be in love with that,” Simms said on Pro Football Talk.
“Justin Fields, I feel like, is gonna leave a little bit of a stale taste in everybody’s mouth, too. I don’t think it’s gonna excite Pittsburgh if they go, ‘We’re bringing Justin Fields back to be the starter.’ If they want to bring him back, that’s great. But, I still think they’ve gotta bring somebody else in there to maybe be the starter, challenge him, whatever that might be.”
Fields Showed Growth, But Is It Enough?
Statistically, Fields made strides in 2024. He posted career-best numbers in several key metrics, including expected points added per play (0.11) and total expected points added (26). His efficiency also improved, with higher marks in passer rating, success rate, and adjusted net yards per attempt.
For a brief moment, Fields looked like the quarterback Chicago had once envisioned when they selected him in the first round.
However, Pittsburgh’s coaching staff clearly had him operating within a restricted system, focusing on game management rather than unleashing his full dual-threat ability. That conservative approach raises questions about whether Fields is truly capable of leading the Steelers to playoff success.
Steelers Likely to Pursue Another Veteran
With Wilson seemingly out of the picture and uncertainty surrounding Fields, the Steelers will almost certainly look to add another veteran quarterback. Even if Fields returns, he may be forced to compete for the starting job rather than being handed the role outright.
Pittsburgh’s front office knows that its current situation at quarterback isn’t sustainable. The team’s emphasis on continuity is commendable, but at some point, stability must lead to actual contention.
Bringing in another proven veteran could be the first step in breaking out of quarterback purgatory.