The quarterback conundrum in Pittsburgh doesn’t seem to have an end. And Mike Tomlin has a lot to figure out. The Steelers’ loss to the Ravens in the Wild Card round added pressure. Pressure to nail their QB decision for 2025. But clarity seems elusive. It’s elusive even with Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Kyle Allen hitting free agency and rumors of rifts swirling.

Tomlin addressed this during his season-ending press conference on Tuesday. “We don’t have a quarterback under contract, and so we got some major discussions there,” he said, addressing the uncertain quarterback situation. “It was a really good experience with the three quarterbacks that were on our roster this year individually and collectively. I am certainly open to considering those guys, but there’s a lot of work ahead of us.” Of the three, both Fields and Wilson delivered mixed results during the season. But neither fully locked down the starting job. While Allen just got one game the entire season and didn’t instill much confidence. However, Tomlin had more to say on the QB situation.

Fields started strong. He led the team to a 4-2 record before being benched. His stats? Solid, but not spectacular. He has 1,106 passing yards and five touchdowns in his bank. He has also banked 289 rushing yards in his six starts. Tomlin praised his growth. “I thought the way he conducted himself makes that [starting QB] a legitimate thought or idea.” But what about Russ?

The veteran with a Super Bowl ring took over but faltered late. The Steelers lost five straight with him at the helm. And this included their playoff game. Wilson’s leadership was lauded early on. So was his clutch play. But questions now linger about his fit in Pittsburgh. Especially with rumors swirling in.

Tomlin emphasized the urgency of resolving the QB conundrum before the draft. “There’s a lot of work ahead of us,” he said. “The major work, obviously, starts first and foremost just understanding what our options are.” The free agency and draft prospects will weigh heavily on their decision.

So who has the edge—Fields? Wilson? or someone else?

Rift between Wilson and OC Arthur Smith raises questions

Reports suggest Russell Wilson’s relationship with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith wasn’t all smooth sailing. A team source claimed the two clashed throughout the season despite public camaraderie. Reports even suggest Mike preferred Smith over Wilson. However, Tomlin downplayed the rumors.

“I thought it was pretty good and fluid,” Mike said. But speculation remains. Smith’s dual systems—one for Fields and one for Wilson—showcased flexibility but hinted at underlying challenges. Fields thrived with designed runs and short passes. But Wilson struggled in a more traditional scheme. The differences might explain their uneven performances. Meanwhile, Fields’ future in Pittsburgh looks brighter.

This is partly because Tomlin prefers mobile quarterbacks. “I’ve expressed that in this setting and settings like these for years. The X-factor that quarterback mobility is in our game and is trending and has been trending,” he said. And this might hint at Fields’ potential upside. But questions about trust linger. Especially after his benching. One may ask: if the potential was evident, why were the opportunities limited?

Meanwhile, Wilson has expressed his desire to return on multiple occasions. “I love it here,” he said even after the Wild Card game. But his price tag might be too steep for the Steelers, with a market value nearing $39 million.

The Steelers’ quarterback dilemma isn’t just about performance. It’s also about fit, cost, and team dynamics. Fields offers youth and mobility but remains unproven. Russell Wilson brings experience but comes with a hefty price and potential baggage. Tomlin and GM Omar Khan face a tough call. The clock is ticking. Let’s see how the Steelers make their move.