NFL legend Terry Bradshaw gave his verdict on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback conundrum, which is growing more complicated by the day.
Bradshaw, who played for the Steelers his entire NFL career (1970-1983), weighed in on whether to bring back Russell Wilson or Justin Fields for the 2025 season.
Terry Bradshaw Gave Blunt Take on Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields Situation
The Hall of Fame quarterback has made it clear he doesn’t think Fields or Wilson should be under center for Pittsburgh next season. Speaking with Amanda Vance ahead of Super Bowl 59, Bradshaw was asked about the Steelers’ quarterback situation and who he prefers as signal-caller in the Steel City next season.
“Neither,” Bradshaw said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
“I don’t like either as a quarterback. I’m not a Russell Wilson fan. I thought when Sean Payton got rid of Russell in Denver, that told me all I needed to know about him. And Justin Fields… he’s really talented, but he just hasn’t adapted well enough to the game.”
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While Wilson and Fields had their moments in 2024, their overall performance left plenty of questions. As per PFN’s QB+ ratings, neither quarterback dominated the season. Wilson posted a 75.3 Regular Season QB+ (C grade, 17th overall) and struggled in key moments, ranking 28th in fourth-quarter efficiency and converting just 38.8% of third downs.
Meanwhile, Fields, who had a 78.1 Regular Season QB+ (C+), performed slightly better under pressure (10th in the league) and converted 39.4% of third downs. However, with only 161 pass attempts, he didn’t qualify for an official QB+ ranking. While Fields showed flashes of promise, the Steelers benched him despite his 4-2 record as a starter, handing the reins back to Wilson, who ultimately couldn’t save their season from a late collapse.
Bradshaw’s skepticism aside, ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that Pittsburgh is interested in bringing Wilson back — if the price is right. Appearing on ESPN’s “Get Up,” Schefter said, “Pittsburgh has expressed an interest in bringing him back. They’ve got first dibs on the guy, but it has to make sense for both sides. And if there’s a deal there that works for both of them, then they go ahead and do it. If not, then we start to flush out the options.”
However, NFL insiders Jay Glazer and Dianna Russini have hinted that Wilson’s time in Pittsburgh may be over, with the team leaning toward Fields as the long-term option.
Free agency is approaching, and the Steelers have no clear answer at quarterback. The front office, led by President Art Rooney II, must decide whether to ignore Bradshaw’s advice and bring one of these quarterbacks back or roll the dice on one of Wilson or Fields again.