After deciding to move on from Kenny Pickett in 2023, the Pittsburgh Steelers brought in two suitable quarterback options last offseason: an experienced Russell Wilson and a high-upside starter in Justin Fields. While Wilson led the offense for a majority of the season, Fields put together a stellar six-week stretch, going 4-2 as a starter before Wilson was handed the reins for the remainder of the team’s 2024 campaign.
The team now has to make the same decision it was presented with a year ago: Should Justin Fields or Russell Wilson start?
Steelers’ Quarterback Plans for 2025
On a recent episode of Scoop City, which features NFL insider Diana Russini and 14-year veteran quarterback Chase Daniel, the two discussed the Steelers’ plan for their lead signal caller.
“The quarterback situation in Pittsburgh…sounds like they are going to pick [Russell Wilson] or [Justin Fields]. I’m still hearing that it’s going to be Justin Fields, [but] that can change,” said Russini.
Daniel added, “So, they’re feeling that Fields will be the guy over Russell and probably get him at a much better price. He can give you the same thing. We saw he was 4-2 as a starter, so if that’s the case, Justin Fields is going to be a starter in this league.”
Wilson will be entering his 14th season at quarterback in 2025. While he has proven he can play the position at a high level, the Steelers could consider Fields a quarterback for the future as he enters just his fifth year in the NFL.
Justin Fields vs. Russell Wilson: Head-to-Head Comparison
Both quarterbacks are heading into the offseason with upcoming contract negotiations, so the Steelers will have the opportunity to evaluate each quarterback based on a variety of factors, with the benefit of not having either QB on the books for 2025 at this point. Check out how the two stack up against each other following the 2024 season.
Russell Wilson
According to PFSN’s QB+ rankings, Wilson finished the season with a 75.3 (C), ranking 17th among quarterbacks in the NFL. After leading the Steelers to a 6-5 record, he ended the season with 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns and only five interceptions.
Justin Fields
On the other hand, Fields, in six games, finished with a 78.1 (C+) in PFSN’s QB+ rankings. Fields did not qualify for a ranking among all quarterbacks as he did not finish with enough pass attempts, but his final grade has him ranked 15th above guys like Geno Smith, Kyler Murray, and Bo Nix.
Accumulating four wins last season, the former No. 11 overall pick threw for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns in addition to his 289 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.
The Steelers will likely shape other teams’ strategy at quarterback this offseason as the NFL awaits Pittsburgh’s decision.