The Pittsburgh Steelers are in need of a quarterback.
Last season, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields split time as starters with Fields starting six games while Wilson started the final 11 after recovering from a calf injury suffered in training camp.
Neither player impressed, although Fields went 4-2 with 10 touchdowns and just one interception after a slow start. But the offense was largely stagnant in front of both quarterbacks.
The Steelers have indicated that they might return one but likely not both in 2025. And their preference appears to be Fields, although there have been reports that Wilson might be targeted if Fields cannot be signed.
So what's the holdup in signing Fields now? Apparently, there might be a bigger market than most thought for the 26-year-old former Ohio State Buckeyes signal caller.
CBS Sports' Aditi Kinkhabawala reported there are two things that could nix Fields returning to Pittsburgh.
"If Justin Fields wants to affirm he is indeed a starter in this league (and a starter to stay), his best path is to sign with the #Steelers," Kinkhabawala posted on X. "He is familiar with the offense, he has an offensive staff that absolutely believes in him and he freely told our @NFLonCBS crew how the 'contagious' confidence in the building is just part of why he felt a different comfort in PIT.
"The impediments, as I am told them? 1) There IS a market for him and he could chase money. 2) He has to get past any sting/distrust from this season, when there was player/assistant sentiment in the building that he return to the starting spot, but Mike Tomlin chose not to do so."
Wilson was named the starter before the season started but suffered the calf injury in camp, opening the door for Fields to play. He didn't exactly make the most of it, although he wasn't as bad as what the team saw out of the quarterback room in 2023.
Wilson didn't separate himself either last year, posting a 6-5 record including a five-game losing streak to end the season including a Wild Card loss to the Ravens.
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This could come down to whoever is available and will agree to come to Pittsburgh, and it might not be Fields or Wilson.
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This story was originally published March 7, 2025 at 1:52 PM.