Justin Fields to the Jets Leaves Russell Wilson as QB1 for the Steelers

Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) warms up before an AFC wild card game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Russell Wilson, the former Denver Broncos quarterback, is at a pivotal juncture in his career as he seeks a long-term landing spot in the NFL. The current buzz centers around the Pittsburgh Steelers, who seem like a natural fit given Wilson’s previous stint with the team last season.

However, it appears the Steelers are weighing their options, caught between bringing Wilson back and potentially opting for Justin Fields. Wilson was the starting quarterback for the Steelers after returning from injury, but his performance left room for doubt, raising the question: will he reclaim his role as QB1?

With this duo in consideration, the landscape could change dramatically. If Fields finds himself signed by another franchise, it could pave the way for Wilson to rejoin the Steelers, a team known for its competitive spirit over the years. Wilson’s experience might prove invaluable in a Steelers system that continually strives for excellence.

The intrigue doesn’t stop there, as the market for young quarterbacks like Fields is heating up, which could leave veterans like Wilson in a tight spot. Scott Engel points out that the New York Jets could be a prime candidate to swoop in and sign Fields, offering him a new opportunity to lead as a starting quarterback.

“The Jets, who have been searching for a true star QB since waiving Joe Namath in 1977, are not positioned to draft one of the very best at No. 7 overall. But they could add Fields, a 2021 first-round pick, and give him another chance to start regularly and reboot his career,” Engel suggests.

The Jets have been on a quarterback search for much of the last decade, and their hopes were momentarily lifted with Aaron Rodgers. However, much like Wilson’s experience in Denver, things didn’t pan out as expected.

For Wilson, should Fields secure a deal elsewhere, it could open the door for him to slip back into Pittsburgh’s lineup. Joining a franchise with a rich history of competitiveness could reignite Wilson’s career, allowing him to contribute to a team aiming for success in a fiercely competitive league. The upcoming weeks will be crucial, as these quarterback decisions could shape the future for both Wilson and the franchises that hold their fates.