Steelers’ quarterback ‘preference’ adds intrigue to NFL free agency

Steelers’ quarterback ‘preference’ adds intrigue to NFL free agency

The Steelers need a little bit of stability behind center, and it would appear that one of their quarterbacks last year will provide that next season.

After having what appeared to be a true open compeтιтion between former Bears first-round pick Justin Fields and Broncos castoff Russell Wilson to begin last season, Steelers president Art Rooney II said they are ready to settle on a longer-term deal with his “preference” to only bring back one of the quarterbacks back.

Russell Wilson started off 6-1 as the Steelers starter. Getty Images

“I wouldn’t close the door, but I’d say it’s probably unlikely,” Rooney said Monday, per ESPN. “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.”

The Steelers went 10-7 in 2024 but lost their final five games, including a 28-14 loss to the Ravens in the wild-card round.

Steelers Quarterback Games started Record as starter Pᴀss yards per game Completion percentage Pᴀssing touchdowns per game Interceptions per game Total rush yards Rushing touchdowns
Russell Wilson 12 6-6 229.33 64.1 1.5 .42 161 2
Justin Fields 6 4-2 184.3 66.25 .83 .17 231 5
Stats are only for game started. Includes playoffs.

Wilson, 36, hurt his calf in training camp, allowing Fields to have the first crack at starting, jumping out to a 4-2 record before being benched for the veteran.

“It sort of takes two to tango, and so we’ll see where it goes,” Rooney said. “I think my preference would probably be to have something more than a one-year in place next time around, but we’ll see what it takes.”

Wilson has previously expressed an interest in finishing his career in Pittsburgh.

Justin Fields was mostly used in a gadget role after starting the season as starter. Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

“My goal is to be with the Pittsburgh Steelers for a long time, hopefully, finish my career there, God willing,” Wilson said.

However, the door is still open or Fields to be the winner here, as Rooney added that age could be a factor in who they decide to bring back.

“I think you have to take that into consideration,” Rooney said. “That’s a factor.”

The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy had previously reported that the Giants, who hold the No. 3 pick, could have some interest in Fields as they head into a 2025 NFL Draft that lacks elite quarterback prospects.

The unusual QB situation could not have started off better with Wilson going 6-1 in his first seven starts, while Fields was demoted to more of a gadget role.

Mike Tomlin gave Russell Wilson the starting role after starting 4-2 with Justin Fields. Getty Images

Things fell apart for the Steelers from there as they lost their next five, including a wild-card loss to the Ravens, and headed into an offseason where Mike Tomlin’s future was put into doubt.

Tomlin rebuffed any opportunities to throw the Steelers under the bus, and Pittsburgh rejected any temptation to trade their longtime head coach.

Related Posts

I sat next to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on their glitzy date night… what I saw left me shaking

I sat next to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on their glitzy date night… what I saw left me shaking

A Taylor Swift superfan has lifted the lid on the signer’s date night with Travis Kelce after sitting next to the loved-up couple at a glitzy Palm…

Aaron Rodgers arrives in Pittsburgh to make Steelers deal official as NFL limbo finally comes to an end

Aaron Rodgers arrives in Pittsburgh to make Steelers deal official as NFL limbo finally comes to an end

Aaron Rodgers has touched down in Pittsburgh as his drawn-out NFL limbo appears to have finally come to an end.  The quarterback is set to play his…

BREAKING NEWSNFL star Chris Conley announces shock retirement after a decade in the league

BREAKING NEWSNFL star Chris Conley announces shock retirement after a decade in the league

NFL veteran Chris Conley has called time on his career announcing his retirement Saturday at the age of 32.  The wide receiver played 10 seasons in the…

BREAKING NEWSTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce send fans wild with ‘cozy and lowkey’ appearance at cousin’s wedding

BREAKING NEWSTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce send fans wild with ‘cozy and lowkey’ appearance at cousin’s wedding

A loved-up Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce look as smitten as ever in new pH๏τos from the Kansas City Chiefs legend’s family wedding this week. Swift gave guests…

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell reveals why he rejected Aaron Rodgers as he lifts lid on talks with veteran QB

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell reveals why he rejected Aaron Rodgers as he lifts lid on talks with veteran QB

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has revealed he turned down the chance to sign Aaron Rodgers as he’s focused on doing what’s best for the ‘future’…

Cops make major breakthrough after ex-NFL star robbed at gunpoint on his birthday

Cops make major breakthrough after ex-NFL star robbed at gunpoint on his birthday

An arrest has been made in a string of robberies and burglaries targeting pro athletes in the Seattle area, including a now-retired Seahawks legend who was robbed…