Didn’t it feel like the start of something magical when the Steelers signed Russell Wilson? Pittsburgh was dreaming of winning a Lombardi and celebrating victory parades as Wilson stepped into the city. And when the QB returned from injury, it felt like the dream was going to become a reality. But then the Ravens crushed their hopes pretty ruthlessly, leaving Russ looking more like a false prophet than a savior. Now, as the team knows that Wilson might not bring them Lombardi, the Steelers front office is exploring other options. Justin Fields‘s name keeps popping up in conversations, but he is not the only option Pittsburgh has on their radar.

Russ made it clear after the regular season that he wants to stay with the Steelers only. But the Steelers are making headlines for showing interest in other veteran QBs. And the latest name they’re targeting is Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. That’s right! NFL Insider Dianna Russini from The Athletic reported, “The Steelers are expected to make an offer to pending free agent Sam Darnold.” The Vikings decided not to franchise tag Sam, and they don’t seem bothered if the QB walks into free agency. This means they are fine with parting ways with the QB who led them to the wild card round this season.

Darnold’s spectacular run in the regular season has been a hot topic this season. The 27-year-old racked up 4,319 yards and has 36 TDs to his name. But despite putting elite numbers in his stats column, the Vikings do not seem to be content with him. Darnold makes a great option for a franchise looking for a veteran QB. His name was linked to the Raiders as well, but Pete Carroll has chosen to go with Geno Smith in his comeback season. The Seahawks are also in the hunt for a new QB, and even they seem interested in Sam.

So, it could be a battle between the two to get Sam on board. The Steelers also have to sort out Justin Fields’ contract situation, as reports tell he might explore free agency while keeping the door open for the Steelers.

Justin Fields holds strong while Wilson’s future hangs in the balance

Analysts and Steelers fans have been vouching for Justin Fields as the starting quarterback for a long time. Back when the Steelers started losing games in mid-December, Fields remained the starting QB, leading the team to nowhere. Now that free agency is here, reports say that the Ohio alum is looking at his free agency options.

Not that he has shut the door for the Steelers. But Fields wants to see what other teams think of him. Fair enough -when your team overlooks you despite your having potential, you look at other options.

The New York Jets are reportedly eyeing Justin. So, the Steelers better hurry up if they want Fields to stay on the squad; otherwise, things are going to get pretty messy. “They’ve got in-house replacements for left tackle Dan Moore Jr., whereas they’ve got no obvious or enticing succession plan at quarterback, should both Fields and Russell Wilson depart,” said CBS Sports Cody Benjamin. Cody’s message is clear: Pittsburgh must fix the QB position first and sort out other positions later. 

So, while reports suggest that the Steelers still have Fields on their priority list, what’s the delay for? And if Russell Wilson isn’t an option, which seems likely, they better lock up at least one quarterback before things get tricky.