Playoff pressure caught up to Russell Wilson as the Ravens sacked him 4 times in the wild card loss. Justin Fields made a brief appearance in 2024 but failed to leave a lasting impression. Had Mike Tomlin given him more time, the outcome could have been different. In the first 6 games that he started, Fields had them at a 4-2 win-loss record. In the next 11 games, Wilson had a 6-5 win-loss record. However, the Steelers HC of 18 years isn’t satisfied with his signal callers’ campaign. He wants to fix the most important position on the gridiron, the quarterback.

It’s a much bigger headache than they anticipated. The options on the market don’t exactly scream game-changer. Pittsburgh Post Gazette writer Gerry Dulac claimed that the franchise isn’t interested in the free agency QBs, including Aaron Rodgers, and wrote, “Any of the top quarterbacks who are expected to be available in free agency; Aaron Rodgers, Sam Darnold, Kirk Cousins, Daniel Jones do not appear to interest the Steelers more than what they have with Fields.” He kind of confirmed Mike Tomlin favoring Justin Fields over bringing another QB.

2025 will be the 5th NFL season for the young 25-year-old signal caller. If the Black and the Gold want to have a future with him, it could turn out very well. But they’d first have to negotiate a new contract with the free agent. Both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones are 27 years old while Kirk Cousins (36 years) and A-Rod (41 years) are nearing the end of their careers.

Aaron Rodgers is the most experienced signal caller among the given choices. But he finished the 2024 season with the Jets at a dismal 5-12. Also, signing a multi-year deal with him doesn’t bring any hope considering his recent injury (he missed 2023 with an Achilles tear) and obviously age. Bringing in a new QB also means the team has to go through their schemes once again. The Steelers have done it already this year, with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields joining in the 2024 off-season. But with A-Rod, it would have to be centered on him. Is Mike Tomlin ready for that?

He praised Fields last week, claiming the young QB impressed him with his work ethic, and said, “I thought he got continually better within our system, evolved throughout the process. I thought the way he conducted himself made that a legitimate thought or idea to structure (of the quarterback room in 2025).” At the Steelers, Fields’ performance improved drastically. In 6 games, he had 5 touchdowns and 1 interception. That was a much better ratio than his 40 TDs to 30 INTs record across three seasons with the Bears. Reports suggest that Fields has already been greenlit within the org. His expected salary of under $9 million would also fit comfortably within the Steelers’ cap. So there is a lot of promise there.

However, there is another challenge. Russell Wilson also signed a minimum $1.25 million contract with them in 2024. And the rumors of him going to another team are getting stronger. Will they hold him as well?

Mike Tomlin’s franchise uncertain about Russell Wilson’s future

The QB position at the Blitzburgh is uncertain. PPG‘s Gerry Dulac gave an idea by adding, “In the spring the intention on both sides was to do a longer-term deal. Now… I don’t know how that’s going to play out now. I don’t know if the same feeling exists among the Steelers.” The 14-28 wildcard loss to the Ravens played a huge role in swaying the tide. Mike Tomlin wants trophies. That was Mr. Unlimited’s priority, too.

When the Super Bowl winner arrived at the Steelers, he declared his 5-year plan in the NFL. But the 6-5 record doesn’t help his case much either. Especially the way the 4-game losing streak to end their regular season spread negativity among the locker room and the fans. Also, the problem is more about the duration of the new deal. While the franchise has remained mum about any negotiations, there are plenty of teams who would like to grab him.

Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton dropped a bombshell on 17th of January that NY Giants had a meeting with Russell Wilson had a meeting to discuss their future. Does Mike Tomlin know more than what he is revealing to fans? We’ll find out soon.