If you have ever had to choose between a classic or an ongoing trend, you would definitely understand what the Steelers are going through right about now. There is Russell Wilson, with two Super Bowl appearances, and 15 playoff wins. Plus 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season. And then they also have Justin Fields, the young and dynamic, with 5 touchdowns and 1 interception in last season. If you also had two enigmas as such on your side, won’t you find it difficult choosing one? However, the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t have time and need to quickly solve their ‘who’s the guy’ dilemma as the deadline creeps up. Because the legal tampering period starts March 10!

Got some questions for the Steelers? Listen to what Steelers Digest editor Bob Labriola said in his weekly podcast, Asked and Answered – in a style only he can. On March 6, he stated, “Once the legal tampering period opens at noon on March 10, both sides will have had a chance to gauge the market, and then the real negotiations can begin.” So, the deadline is hanging on the Steelers to negotiate their terms before the players go into free agency on March 12.

He gave the above statement to answer whether the Steelers are making a mistake by not aggressively signing Fields before the period starts. To which he said, “The Steelers can’t force Justin Fields to sign a contract extension.” Well, that’s obvious. But what’s causing a stir is whether it will be Justin Fields or Russell Wilson who wins the QB race this time.

Well, this isn’t the first time we will be witnessing a QB race between them. In the 2024 season, after the Steelers signed Wilson to a one-year deal, they named him the first quarterback after he won against Justin Fields in the pre-season QB competition. They assigned Fields as Wilson’s backup. Will history repeat itself? Or will Field get the centre stage like he got in the 2024 season after Wilson suffered a calf injury? 

The Bears traded Justin Fields to the Steelers for a sixth-round conditional pick. If his performance reaches at least 51% of the team’s snaps, the pick will convert to a fourth-round pick. Alas! That didn’t quite happen. But on the flip side, Fields could be the right candidate, as he is just 25 and has a ton of room to grow. Unlike Russell who’s at the back end of his career, Fields could bring in the fresh energy that the Steelers need. And it could be futuristic too. As he does have time to evolve and learn with the team.

But what we can’t ignore is the fact that Fields is certainly more expensive than Wilson for the Steelers. The backup QB cost the team $3.2 million approx, whereas the first QB was signed up for just $1.21 million for the 2024 season. But the one-year contract for Wilson is also coming to an end. And he might go into free agency.

Why are the Steelers letting Russell go?

If the predictions are to be believed, Russell might be let loose by the Steelers. Sportsgrid’s Zack Cook has speculated that Wilson might sign a deal with his fourth team – the New Orleans Saints this season. “Russell Wilson’s future in the NFL is shrouded in uncertainty as he enters a pivotal stage of his career,” wrote Cook. “The key question is whether he will remain in Pittsburgh or if the seasoned quarterback will be on the move to what would be the fourth stop in his illustrious journey through the league. Despite the doubts, Wilson maintains that he still has valuable contributions to make on the field.”

Russell spent a decade playing for the Seattle Seahawks before he and the team ‘mutually’ agreed on a trade to the Broncos – because, you know, that’s what they all say. But to chase his Super Bowl dream, the dual-threat QB signed a contract with the Steelers. The Steelers have six Lombardi Trophies in their wall of fame, and the QB wanted to add a lucky number seven. But we all saw how that turned out. And if you ask Russell, he’s definitely not thrilled about it, as he said while reflecting on the season’s outcome, “Obviously, it didn’t end the way we wanted it to.” No kidding, Russ.

The QB is a nine-time Pro Bowl but was still signed up for just $1.2 million. But why? Because of his previous contract with the Broncos. Who is still on the hook for paying him a guaranteed salary of $37.8 million. So, this was a win-win deal for the Steelers to sign him for such a low amount. But still get what they desire from the first QB. If we go by the prediction, the Saints are also in talks with Derek Carr. However, he might end up being a high maintenance investment for the team. As they are nearly $50 million over their salary cap. And Wilson would be more affordable as compared to him.

For now, all we can do is wait, as Field’s representative tries to get him the best deal possible. And neither side will officially announce anything unless they reach an agreement. If either player hits free agency, this saga could drag on even longer. So, buckle up for the ride ahead – as this QB shuffle isn’t over yet.