Ever since Art Rooney II has confirmed his stance on Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, he has put HC Mike Tomlin in a dilemma. While Rooney may have a soft corner for Wilson, why would he go ahead with a quarterback whose best days are behind him? There are many other factors that make it difficult for the Steelers to re-sign the 36-year-old quarterback. Well, if not Wilson, then what other option does Pittsburgh have? Although the last season was a nightmare for the Steelers, Fields was the one who left a good impression on Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith who will use everything at their disposal assuming it’s the proper thing to do. “I’m certainly open to utilizing Justin,” Tomlin said. “He has an awesome skill set.” While Tomlin and Smith are clear about whom they want under center, there is a catch to land Fields on the Steelers’ roster.

The Steelers are attempting to replace big gaps in their roster before the 2025 season. But having a starting QB remains a priority for Tomlin’s Steelers. Last season, the team had two quarterbacks: Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. While Wilson and Fields both were inconsistent, because of his age factor, Fields has an edge over Wilson. But since he has become a free agent after the 2024 season, the Steelers have to find a way to sign him if they want him as their signal caller.

Well, this appears to be a very likely scenario. ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler confirmed the BTS of the scenario. Fowler indicated that both parties are really eager to work together. The 25-year-old quarterback is incredibly good, but he has some conditions if he returns. These factors include him wanting to be the starting quarterback so that he may be on the field on a regular basis. To be honest, this is a good condition, and Justin Fields also deserves it. After all, he was the one who helped the Steelers win some games.

Jeremy Fowler reported, “This one’s complicated because I do know that there’s some sentiment in the building for bringing back Justin Fields. Both sides, Fields and the Steelers, are certainly open to a potential reunion. Fields want a realistic shot to start. He wants a clear path to be the guy for the full season, which he was not last year.”

In 2024, Justin Fields was on fire for the Steelers. The man had 161 attempts, 106 of which were successful, totaling 1,106 yards and 5 touchdowns. These incredible statistics demonstrate that young quarterbacks will be in high demand by 2025. Furthermore, it is projected that he will receive a basic salary of up to $25 million. Now that’s what you call an improvement. Is it conceivable for the Steelers to sign him at such a big salary? No one knows about it.

However, the Steelers may not bring back Fields after the team owner’s bold statements…

Art Rooney claims Russell Wilson is still favored over Justin Fields

So there you go. Rooney’s statement has created a significant twist in Fields’ prospective future with the Steelers. On the one hand, the 25-year-old hopes to make a comeback as a starter. Rooney, however, stated that the team would not go with his conditions. He added that they are still perplexed by the two quarterbacks and that the squad is hoping for both of them to return.

Art Rooney explained, “I think both of them see themselves as starters and I don’t know that they want to share the same job again next year. So, I would say most likely we probably don’t wind up bringing them both back” On top of these comments, NFL insider Mark Kaboly too has claimed that Rooney is preferring Wilson over Fields.

Kaboly mentioned, “I heard that maybe Art is in favor of Russ than maybe the rest. Now who has the last call on this? I don’t know. But I think they made it crystal clear, at least Art did, to me, and I do believe him on this one.”

So, what are your thoughts about this situation? Do you believe Fields should return to the Steelers if they are just going to bench him? Tell us in the comments.