December 25, 2024: The Pittsburgh Steelers locker room reeked of anger, frustration, and all things not-Christmassy. While Andy Reid was involved in a well-choreographed Santa Claus routine complete with gifts and holiday cheer, the Steelers were instead involved in mud-slinging after their 29-10 loss. Defensive lineman Cameron Hayward, without naming anyone, explicitly said, “When 10 guys do their job and one guy doesn’t, we are screwed.”

While the team’s overall record stands at a respectable 10-6, Hayward was probably talking about a “glaring misfit” in the Steelers roster: Russell Wilson. For the fourth consecutive time, the QB finished a game under 250 passing yards—he completed 23 of his 37 passes for 205 yards and an interception against the Chiefs, adding 55 yards and a score on the ground against the Kansas City Chiefs. But that doesn’t mean Wilson will be giving up this soon, despite increasing calls to replace him with Justin Fields. But before we get to that…

Just to give you some context: Fields had started the team’s first six games, going 4-2 while completing 65.8 percent of his passes for 1,106 yards with a 5-1 touchdown-interception ratio. Wilson, on the other hand, went 6-4 in ten games while completing 64.6 percent of his passes for 2,334 yards and a 15-5 touchdown-interception ratio. Notably, the team is just one loss away (from Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18) from finishing at 10-7 like last year. Wilson is confident enough that they won’t. How do we know? Well, read the story further to find out…

On December 26, the QB shared an Instagram story saying, “Best days are ahead!” His message weren’t just about words—it was a vibe. Sharing a clip from Steelers practice that was captioned, “Getting in the gameday spirit ‼️”, he wrote, “Love my teammates! Best days are ahead!” Alongside this, he added another motivational line: “Confidence never waivers! Keep Huntin’.” The clip showed Wilson shaking hands and hyping up his teammates, all set to Nipsey Hussle’s track “Perfect Timing.” It was a powerful message of unity and determination, showing his unwavering belief in the team’s future despite the mounting pressure.

This optimistic vibe comes at a critical time. The Steelers have grabbed a playoff spot, but still, questions swirl about their quarterback’s future. Wilson’s post screams confidence, but it doesn’t erase a string of recent subpar performances, leading many to wonder if the 36-year-old veteran’s best days are really ahead or behind him. Adding fuel to the fire is NFL former MVP Cam Newton’s strong opinion.

On ESPN’s First Take on December 26, Newton emphatically backed Justin Fields for the Steelers’ QB role next season. “You bring back Justin Fields,” he said. “You develop him the right way,” Newton argued that Fields’s untapped potential, combined with his age, gives Pittsburgh a brighter long-term outlook.

At 25, Fields has shown flashes of brilliance in Pittsburgh. On the contrary, set on a redemption arc to begin with, the veteran’s famous moonballs now seem to have lost their shine.

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The Steelers now face a crossroads. With both quarterbacks on one-year deals, Coach Mike Tomlin must decide who leads the team next season. Will it be Wilson, the seasoned leader, or Fields, the explosive prospect?

The Steelers’ dilemma: Wilson or Fields?

Cam Newton made a compelling case for Fields, likening his ceiling to Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson. “He hasn’t gotten that opportunity,” Newton insisted. “Father time ain’t on our side. Justin Fields do what Josh Allen does? Skill set. Lamar Jackson. Can Justin Fields has that ceiling? Has he shown it consistently? No. But, can he give you what those guys? Yes. Develop him in a way.” And Fields’s mobility and youth align with the NFL’s shift toward dual-threat quarterbacks. On the other hand, Wilson brings experience and leadership.

Despite his struggles, his 6-4 record as a starter this season speaks volumes. Yet, “Father Time” isn’t on his side. At 36, Wilson has likely peaked, leaving many to wonder if he’s the right fit for a rebuilding franchise. Statistics paint a clear picture. Justin Fields, meanwhile, has shown steadier growth, even with limited opportunities. Meanwhile, as Newton pointed out, Fields hasn’t been properly developed, making him a potential goldmine if given the right support.

Pittsburgh fans have split opinions, and immense pressure weighs on Tomlin. In the end, the Steelers’ choice could define the next era of the franchise. The question is: will they play it safe with Russell Wilson or roll the dice on Fields and hope the future is brighter than the present?