Dulac: “In all likelihood,” Justin Fields will be Steelers QB in 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers appeared to have finally found a solution at quarterback with Russell Wilson, as when he took over as Pittsburgh’s starter in Week 7, he seemed rejuvenated after two down seasons with the Broncos of Denver and helped lead the Steelers to a 10.-3 start. With a five-game losing streak and Wilson returning to some of the same mistakes that plagued him in Denver down the stretch, his future in Pittsburgh is up in the air, and who will be the Steelers’ quarterback next season is an open question.

In an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette this morning, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac said Pittsburgh’s late-season collapse and Wilson’s disconnect with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith could lead the Steelers to move on. He believes Justin Fields, who started the first six games of the season, will be Pittsburgh’s quarterback in 2025.

“But, with the way the season ended with five straight losses and a disconnect with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, this deal might not come to fruition. (Russell) Wilson was brought here to help end the playoff winning drought, and it hasn’t happened Bringing in another veteran quarterback doesn’t make sense. That’s why (Justin) Fields, in all likelihood, will be given the job. », wrote Dulac.

Justin Fields is also set to become a free agent. The only quarterback under contract for the Steelers in 2025 is Skylar Thompson, who the team signed to a reserve/futures deal earlier this week. However, Dulac reported earlier this week that a deal for Fields isn’t expected to be “anything crazy.” “With a weak quarterback draft class and no veteran options available that would be an instant upgrade, giving Fields a chance seems to make the most sense.

Sam Darnold may be the best veteran quarterback available, but he has struggled in his last two games this season with the Minnesota Vikings. Given that he led the Vikings to a 14-3 record this season, he is likely to land a higher contract than Fields. Dulac also reported earlier this week that the Steelers were not interested in Aaron Rodgers if he became available, so going the veteran quarterback route with someone from outside the organization for the second year consecutive seems unlikely.

Justin Fields looked like a much better quarterback than he showed during his time with the Chicago Bears when he started for the Steelers this season while Wilson was recovering from a calf injury. He showed better decision-making and threw just one interception in his six starts. Mike Tomlin also said he would be comfortable with Fields from his end-of-season press conference. While there is no guarantee that Justin Fields can be a franchise quarterback, he is at minimum Pittsburgh’s best option as a bridge quarterback.

Going back to Justin Fields appears to be the direction the Steelers are heading, but there will undoubtedly be a lot of speculation about what’s best for Pittsburgh and what they do over the next few months.