For months, the Steelers have been working on a script titled Russell Wilson & Justin Fields: The Battle That Never Ends. And it looks like we’re finally getting a release date. On one side, there’s Wilson, who started with a 5-1 record and ended with a 1-4 finish. On the other hand, Justin Fields did what was asked- won games and still ended up watching from the sidelines. Now with free agency around the corner, the Steelers can’t keep dodging the big question—who’s actually going to be the QB1?

Now, let’s be real—Art Rooney II has confirmed that the Steel City will only back one of ’em. From the looks of it, Wilson may not be a part of the Steelers locker room next season. And Fields? Well, at this point, it’s fair to ask—does he even want to be in this never-ending QB drama anymore?

That’s where the former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky makes a surprise visit. You see, On Monday, Orlovsky appeared on Get Up and the guy straight up admitted that he doesn’t want Fields to return to the Steel City—but in a pretty dramatic way. “If I’m Justin Fields. I respectfully, I’m not going back to the Steelers,” he said. “I did everything you asked me to do when you had me as your starting quarterback and a little bit by default, maybe because the injury in training came to Russell Wilson.”

Translation? After signing both Fields and Wilson, the Steelers named Wilson as their QB1. But nope, the 36-year-old veteran QB was sidelined due to a calf injury. YIKES! That’s where things got pretty dramatic. Fields stepped up and led the Steelers to a 4-2 start, only to be sidelined when Wilson returned. That’s definitely not the kind of reward Fields was expecting.

And that’s why Orlovsky doesn’t want Fields to return to Pittsburgh, or should we say, he advised Fields to play somewhere else. “I had a set forward to we had beaten playoff teams and then you benched me and then it started really hot for Russell Wilson and then it calmed down a little bit and you never gave me the opportunity to get back on the field,” he continued.

Uh-huh! Wilson started with a 5-1 record in his first six weeks and then boom—those four consecutive defeats. Well, the Steelers already lost four consecutive games, but Mike Tomlin and Co. never thought to bench Wilson and give an opportunity to Fields. Not a single time. The result? Wildcard round exit. Of course, it’d be wrong to say the outcome would’ve been different if Fields had started in the wildcard round.

But let’s be real—Fields set the stage for a strong finish to the regular season. Based on his performance, giving him a real shot might just be the Steelers’ best move. But they didn’t. That said, Orlovsky wants Fields to go elsewhere for a better opportunity. “Respectfully, I want to give myself an opportunity to play. I don’t trust necessarily what you’re telling me right now in this process. So if I’m Justin Fields, I want to go elsewhere.” He added.

But it is not like the 26-year-old is sitting without clarifying his end of the deal. Reportedly, Fields and the Steelers are in a negotiation over the monetary aspects of an extension. Though here’s the kicker: Fields has asked the franchise explicitly to give him some sort of assurance regarding his starts in the future. That sounds like a man who has put his foot down, right? Additionally, he is also in conversation with the Jets and likely awaiting an offer.

So, Wilson is probably not returning to Pittsburgh, given their reluctance to re-sign him. Additionally, NFL insider Jay Glazer said on the Bowl Radio show that Wilson will be likely gone from the Steelers’ organization. And let’s not forget that Glazer is the best friend of the Steelers coach Mike Tomlin so his information might be credible. Further, Orlovsky wants Fields to find a new team So…uh, who’s going to be the Steelers’ QB1?

Can a veteran replace Justin Fields or Russell Wilson as QB1?

The NFL offseason basically has two sides—if we’re talking about the quarterbacks. On one side, there is Matthew Stafford. The teams were ready to go all in signing him for the 2025 season. Not to mention, a couple of teams even offered a $100M deal to the QB, before the Rams agreed to stick with Stafford. On the other side, there is Aaron Rodgers. Arguably, one of the best QBs in the league.

Now, here’s the deal: amidst Russell Wilson and Justin Fields talk, the rumors have linked Rodgers to join the Steelers. According to the NFL Insider Adam Schefter, 41-year-old Rodgers emerged as a potential option for the QB1 spot. Schefter reported that the Pittsburgh team and Rodgers are expected to talk, and it’s likely that both sides could come to an agreement.

That’s what we call a certain turn of events, folks. At one point, the Steelers were contacting every other team to sign a QB. And now? Well, the way things are shaping, it looks like Rodgers is contacting every other team to play one more season. A-Rod is set to hit free agency after the Jets announced that they want to move on to other options for the QB position. Courtesy—a couple of disastrous seasons.

Despite a poor 5-12 finish in 2024, the 41-year-old veteran recorded 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns. As for the Steelers, they kicked off the 2024 season with a bang but crashed and burned by the end. If they decide to part ways with Wilson and Fields, it’s likely Mike Tomlin and Co. will sign Rodgers.