The Pittsburgh Steelers will see Justin Fields in 2025. He just won’t be playing for them. Turning down the Steelers for the New York Jets, it sets up a regular season meeting when Pittsburgh and New York square off in 2025.
Fields agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal with the Jets. Rumors about New York being in hot pursuit of Fields picked up over recent days and though Pittsburgh and Fields reportedly remained open to re-signing, he chose a fresh start with Pittsburgh.
An official date for the Steelers/Jets 2025 meeting won’t be known until the schedule release in May. Pittsburgh is set to play the AFC East this year with road games against New York and New England and home contests versus Miami and Buffalo.
It’s not officially known why Fields chose New York over Pittsburgh. Contract could be an obvious factor. If the Jets offered more, and $20 million is more than what most expected Fields to net, it’s obvious why he would depart the Steelers. But it’s likely not the only reason. Though he said all the right things, Fields was ostensibly unhappy with being replaced mid-way through the season after Russell Wilson was cleared from his calf injury. Through six games under Fields, Pittsburgh was 4-2 and leading the AFC North.
The rest of his season was spent coming off the bench sparingly. He logged just 15 offensive snaps from Week 7 and on, including the Wild Card loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Reportedly, and reasonably, Fields wanted to go to a place that offered him the best chance to start wire-to-wire. New York can certainly offer that. He also reunites with Ohio State teammate and wide receiver Garrett Wilson, returning as the team’s No. 1 target with Davante Adams released and signing with the Los Angeles Rams.
With Sam Darnold going to Seattle and Fields landing with the Jets, Pittsburgh’s quarterback options are dwindling. They’re likely down to choosing between Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers. Reports are pushing towards Rodgers but no contract has been agreed to, according to multiple reports.
Owner Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan expressed a desire to retain one of Fields or Wilson. But like last year, the team’s words and their actions could prove different.
Under a new general manager and head coach, the Jets are looking to rebound after a 5-12 2024 season. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2010, finishing last in the division seven times over that span.
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