The Steelers are at a critical turning point, and President Art Rooney II knows it. With the team’s season over and that brutal 5-game losing streak still fresh, tough decisions are coming fast. Rooney isn’t shying away from the pressure, especially when it comes to the QB situation. Fans have flooded his inbox with frustration. And now the big question is whether the Steelers are ready to make some bold moves to change the course of their future.

One thing that is very important for any team is the QB position. Which is the front and center, and Rooney isn’t keeping it under wraps. As he said, the “QB position is a key, key piece of the puzzle that needs to be addressed,” and big changes could be in the works.

More Rooney on Tomlin — whether his message is getting across: “It’s fair to question it after losing 5 in a row. But when I talk to the players, I think the players still want to play for Mike, and so I’m not concerned about his message.”

Rooney got real about the QB dilemma, saying it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle for the Steelers. He also hinted that it’s unlikely both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson will be back next season. “I wouldn’t close the door, but I’d say it’s probably unlikely,” Rooney said. “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.” He also pointed out that both quarterbacks “showed promise in certain stretches” and are “capable of being starters,” but a decision is needed soon.

Fans have been seriously vocal, with Rooney admitting his inbox has been “pretty full” of complaints. He shared, “I have a sense (of the frustration),” and he gets it. Despite all that, he’s staying focused on the bigger picture, making it clear that after locking in the coaching staff, the QB position will be their top priority this offseason. Let’s see, whom we will see in the field as Steelers QB. Russell Wilson or Justin Fields!

Meanwhile, there’s some buzz about Russell Wilson possibly landing with the Raiders. It all goes back to his connection with Pete Carroll in Seattle, and with the Raiders needing a fresh QB vibe, Wilson could be the move. It’s still just talk for now, but sources are saying the Raiders want a long-term QB, and Wilson keeps popping up in the convo. Definitely something to keep an eye on this offseason—it could totally shake up the QB game. The Steelers’ coaching landscape is also shaking.

Tomlin’s grip on the locker room: Rooney weighs in

Rooney still has Mike Tomlin’s back, even with the Steelers’ rough patch. He said, “

When you look at how many games Mike has won in this league, you don’t win that many games if you’re not a good coach.” Plus, Rooney isn’t worried about Tomlin’s influence in the locker room, saying, “When I talk to the players, I think the players still want to play for Mike, and so I’m not concerned about his message.” So, even with the struggles, the players are still fully on board with Tomlin.

Tomlin’s been the Steelers’ coach since 2007. With two Super Bowl appearances (one win), and has never had a losing season. Even though 2024 didn’t go as planned, the team still trusts him. The fact that the players are sticking with him shows how strong his leadership is.

With a big offseason coming up, having the locker room’s support is massive for Tomlin. He’s shown he can keep the team together during tough times. And that’s going to be key if the Steelers want to bounce back. And make a playoff push in the 2025-2026 season.